101 ways to postpone bedtime

7:40 pm

Natalie: Can I just have one more story tonight?  For a really special treat?  Please, please.  Just one more story.

Me: No Natalie.  It’s past your bedtime.  (After 4 more times of asking…) you seem to ask for a lot of special treats.

<Prayers and singing ensue>

7:46 pm

Natalie: Mom, I’m really hungry.  I really need some more food.

Me: No, Natalie.  We talked about this a bunch of times at dinner.  Dinner was your chance to eat.  You’re not getting any more food tonight.

(Repeat this convo 5 times).

Me: Good night, Natalie.

Natalie: Just one more hug!

Me: Good night.  I love you.

Natalie: I love my whole family.

7:50pm

Natalie: Mom, I need a new bandaid.  This bandaid has been on for 57 days.  Its been on a long time. (Insert whine and increasingly persistence.)

Me: Okay, but I get to do all the parts of taking the bandaid out of the wrapper.

<Bring her back to bed and tuck her in>

7:53am – Convo has moved outside of the bedroom

Natalie: Mom! You forgot to brush my teeth.  Why?  I don’t want my teeth to fall out.

Me: Okay, let’s brush.  I guess I was just so eager to start stories that I forgot.

Natalie: Why did you forget?

<Bring her back to bedroom and tuck her in>

7:57pm – once again outside of bedroom

Natalie: Do you see this other boo boo?

Me: Yes, I do.  It looks like its doing fine.

Natalie: No, it hurts when I turn my hand upside down like this (and press it on the wall).  I really need a bandaid

Me: I think you’re fine

Natalie: No, I need one.  I really really do.  (Insert crying)

<Add bandaid.  Walk back to bedroom.>

Me: Natalie, you need to stay in your bedroom for now one.  No more getting up.  If you get up again, I’m not going to tuck you in and I’m going to take away your night light.

Natalie: But if I’m throwing up, then its an emergency.  (She had to repeat b/c I missed what she was saying.)

Me: Yes, if its an emergency, then you can get up.

Natalie: But then you still need to tuck me in!

Me: Yes, if you throw up and its an emergency, I’ll still tuck you in.  But a bandaid isn’t an emergency.

Natalie: But it kinda is because it hurts.

Me: Good night Natalie.  I love you.

Natalie: I love my whole family.

8:02 pm Depart bedroom

8:18 pm Still in bedroom – Success!

ADDENDUM

8:23 pm

Natalie: I woke up because Elliott cried!  Why did he cry?  Maybe he lost his Roro and Leopard.  You should go in there to check on him.

 

P.S. Open to suggestions by parents who have children popcorning out of bed too!