Friedrich Froebel (1782 - 1852) was a pioneer of early childhood education and the kindergarten. His principles were centred on the importance of play and nature, and continues to remain internationally relevant in the 21st century. His final book, ‘The Mother Songs, Rhyme and Stories’ focused on the value of music, verse and imagery in articulating infant and parent nurturing relationships and everyday life.

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By arguing for the relevance of a Froebel approach during rest and sleep in the home, I introduce the term, ‘Restorative Care’ to describe parental behaviours, interactions, and transitional approaches used to build and maintain positive healthy relationships. Restorative Care is also a positive way to resolve difficulties where there has been conflict regarding rest and sleep praxis and advice.

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Featuring the thoughts and experiences of parents from birth to 2 years, I’m sharing how beneficial knowledge of Froebel’s philosophical approach of lullabies, rhymes and stories for parents and carers can help foster restorative care in home-based sleep routines and rituals for you and your baby.

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A pamphlet (monograph) and digital flip book will be available for parents and prospective parents in 2026...