Bedtime
What to say when your child asks for one more thing at bedtime
One more thing at bedtime can sound small. The tricky part is that the request often changes shape as soon as you answer it.
Why this moment is hard
A parent can say yes to water and then find themselves answering a new request for another hug, another song, a different blanket, or a question that suddenly feels urgent.
What to say first
“We already did our bedtime things. I love you. The next thing is sleep.”
When they push back
“Your water is here. I am not getting anything else tonight.”
“I gave you a hug. Here is one last squeeze, and then I am leaving.”
“I want to hear it in the morning. Tonight it is time to rest.”
What to avoid getting pulled into
Avoid treating each new request like a brand-new decision. That teaches the back-and-forth to keep going.
Practice the back-and-forth
- Decide which requests are already handled.
- Use a loving phrase that does not invite more bargaining.
- Exit calmly after the repeat line.