Episode 75 - Stargazing at Bedtime: Turning the Nightly Battle into a Shared Moment with Mark Westmoquette

What's just one thing parents can do to help their child switch off before bed? This week I'm joined by Mark Westmoquette, an astrophysicist turned Zen meditation and yoga teacher, whose work brings together the science of the night sky and the practice of mindfulness. He's the author of Look Up at Bedtime, a book of five-minute mindful activities and stories to help families share the wonder of the universe. Bedtime can be one of the most stressful moments of a parent's day; full of separation, fear of the dark, and the hope that they'll just go to sleep on time for once. In this conversation, Mark offers a gentle shift in perspective: instead of a battle to be won, bedtime can become a shared moment of curiosity. He explains how looking up at the stars, or even noticing the sounds and air of the night, can broaden a child's perspective, soothe anxiety, and strengthen your connection at the same time. We talk about why mindfulness comes so naturally to children, why not knowing the answers together can be a gift rather than a worry, and how a sense of awe and wonder can lift both parent and child out of the busyness of the day.  You can find out more about Mark Westmoquette here: https://markwestmoquette.co.uk/