Question:
Dear Ebeanstalk, my 3 year old is prolonging her bed-time ritual for up to 30 minutes. She wants to change her dry diaper, asks me to get her water, read her a story, scratch her back…the list goes on and on and on…Ughhh…I can't take it!!
Answer:
It's quite typical for kids to think of every excuse in the world to stay up a bit later. Here's what I recommend (based on first-hand-stalling-experience).
I suggest you tell your child in the morning or during the day what you will expect…First we will take a bath…then we brush your teeth…then a little drink of water…read one story…then hugs, kisses & lights out. Don't get manipulated into the 'one more hug' game. It's okay to say, "We are done with hugs for the night and I'll save more hugs for the morning."
Ignore all of the other commands and walk out of the bedroom. If she comes out, simply take her back in the room and say it's time for sleep. Again, don't get drawn into the whole night-time routine again…you already did it!! You may choose to give a goodnight kiss/hug again and then walk out. Remember, she may do this a few times a night but stick to the routine and before you know it, she'll be a whole lot faster at going to sleep.
