Sunita Prakash's journey from chaos to calm.

Bedtime in our house was a nightmare. My daughter would ask for one more story, one more glass of water, one more hug — and eventually I would snap. She would cry herself to sleep, and I would lie awake feeling like the worst mother in the world.

Pooja helped me understand that bedtime wasn't the problem; separation anxiety was. My daughter wasn't manipulating me — she was struggling to feel safe letting go of the day. We created a simple wind-down routine: a warm bath, a whispered conversation about the best part of the day, and a promise that I would be there when she woke up.

The first few nights, she still tested it. But I stayed calm. I stayed consistent. And within a week, bedtime became our favorite part of the day. Now she falls asleep holding my hand, and I fall asleep holding my peace.