66. Bringing Wonder and Calm to Bedtimes with Dr Mark Westmoquette

What if the fix for bedtime battles wasn't a new routine, but simply opening the curtains? Nina sits down with astrophysicist-turned-mindfulness-teacher Dr. Mark Westmoquette, author of Look Up At Bedtime, to explore how a few minutes under the night sky can turn a nightly fight into a moment of genuine connection. You'll Learn Why sharing wonder calms bedtime faster than rushing it A simple gravity practice to try in bed tonight Why you don't need to know constellations to stargaze How opening the curtains turns bedtime into connection A loving kindness practice using the moon or stars Why kids are often more present than we realise Why This Episode MattersIf bedtime in your house feels more like a countdown to lights out than a wind-down, this conversation offers a different way in. Dr Mark's approach doesn't ask you to do more, just to look up together and let curiosity do the rest. A genuinely lovely reminder that connection can be simple. Small Shift for Big Impact Mark's small shift: shared wonder. You don't need to know more than your child about what you're looking at, or feel like you need all the answers before you explore. Open the curtains and be curious together, rather than the expert - coming alongside your child instead of standing above them. Take the Next StepIf tonight's episode has you thinking about bedtime in your house, book a free 15-minute discovery call with Nina and let's talk about what a calmer routine could look like for your family. Get this small shift started today. Links and Resources Check out Dr. Mark Westmoquette's book, Look Up At Bedtime (note this is an affiliate link)Visit Dr. Mark's website - www.markwestmoquette.co.uk  Book a free 15-minute coaching discovery call with Nina Related PodcastEpisode 54 - Teaching Kids Mindfulness Before They Need It, with Alia SallamEpisode 57 - How to End Screen Time Without the Meltdown Related blogThe Evening Routine: Creating Calm After ChaosLet's connect Want more support? Follow Nina on Instagram, or sign up for tips and updates at mindfulparentinglifestyle.com.au.Have a question or parenting challenge you'd like addressed on the podcast? Send a DM or an email.Follow Nina on InstagramWebsite: mindfulparentinglifestyle.com.auEmail: [email protected] the Hosts Nina Visic is a mindful parenting coach and mum, and the host of Your Calm Parenting Path. She helps overwhelmed parents move from reactive and exhausted to calm, confident and connected with their kids, blending practical strategies with a genuinely warm, non-judgemental approach. Dr. Mark Westmoquette is an astrophysicist turned mindfulness teacher and the author of Look Up At Bedtime, a children's book blending astronomy, storytelling and mindfulness practices for primary-school-aged kids. He spent about a decade working as a professional research astronomer, including nights at some of the world's largest telescopes, before leaving academia to teach yoga and meditation, and eventually finding a way to bring his two passions together. He lives in London with his wife and young son.