Our usually easygoing bedtime routine has turned into a nightly showdown. My 5-year-old suddenly refuses to go to bed at the usual time, coming up with every excuse in the book—from needing a glass of water to wanting one more story (which quickly turns into three or four).

It’s exhausting because what used to be a calm wind-down has become stressful for both of us. We've tried setting stricter rules and offering small rewards for going to bed on time, but nothing seems to stick. I’m starting to wonder if it’s just a phase or if we need to try something totally different.

Has anyone else dealt with this kind of bedtime resistance? What creative tricks or routines helped your kids settle down without turning bedtime into a wrestling match?

That sounds super frustrating, especially when bedtime used to be smooth sailing! Sometimes kids push boundaries like this because they’re craving a bit more connection or control at the end of the day. One thing that helped me was setting a “last call” for stories - like, two stories max - and then having a special “goodnight ritual” that’s just for them, something quick but meaningful, like a secret handshake or a special phrase. It gives them something to look forward to without dragging things out.

Also, maybe try giving a bit more water or whatever they’re asking for *before* the official bedtime routine starts, so those excuses don’t come up as much once you’re in the wind-down zone. It’s a tricky balance, but sometimes a little pre-emptive strike on those requests helps reduce the back-and-forth. Hang in there - it’s totally normal for this phase to pop up and then fade away.

On 01/22/2026 at 12:40 PM, CleverRiver911 said:

That sounds super frustrating, especially when bedtime used to be smooth sailing! Sometimes kids push boundaries like this because they’re craving a bit more connection or control at the end of the day. One thing that helped me was setting a “last call” for stories - like, two stories max - and then having a special “goodnight ritual” that’s just for them, something quick but meaningful, like a secret handshake or a special phrase. It gives them something to look forward to without dragging things out.

Also, maybe try giving a bit more water or whatever they’re asking for *before* the official bedtime routine starts, so those excuses don’t come up as much once you’re in the wind-down zone. It’s a tricky balance, but sometimes a little pre-emptive strike on those requests helps reduce the back-and-forth. Hang in there - it’s totally normal for this phase to pop up and then fade away.

Love the idea of a “last call” for stories - it’s such a gentle way to set limits without making it feel like a battle. We tried something similar by creating a little “goodnight handshake” routine with my kiddo, which gave her a sense of special connection but also a clear signal that bedtime was really happening. It’s amazing how those small rituals can shift the mood.

Also, I noticed @SunnySideLife mentioned rewards didn’t stick, and I wonder if mixing in some calming activities before the final story might help ease the transition. Maybe a few minutes of quiet play or a soft song could help wind things down before the “last call.” It’s definitely a tricky phase, but those little tweaks made a difference for us!

On 12/26/2025 at 3:10 AM, SunnySideLife said:

Our usually easygoing bedtime routine has turned into a nightly showdown. My 5-year-old suddenly refuses to go to bed at the usual time, coming up with every excuse in the book—from needing a glass of water to wanting one more story (which quickly turns into three or four).

It’s exhausting because what used to be a calm wind-down has become stressful for both of us. We've tried setting stricter rules and offering small rewards for going to bed on time, but nothing seems to stick. I’m starting to wonder if it’s just a phase or if we need to try something totally different.

Has anyone else dealt with this kind of bedtime resistance? What creative tricks or routines helped your kids settle down without turning bedtime into a wrestling match?

Oh, I’ve been there! When my kiddo hit that stubborn bedtime phase, we found that giving a little extra control helped - like letting them pick which book to read (but strictly one story) or choosing a special stuffed animal to sleep with. It sounds like you’ve tried rewards, but maybe mixing in a “wind-down” activity earlier, like 10 minutes of quiet play or a simple puzzle, could ease the transition.

Also, sometimes those extra story requests are their way of wanting more connection before sleep. Maybe a quick “story countdown” where you say, “We’ll do two stories tonight, then lights out,” and sticking to it firmly but kindly can help set clear limits without feeling like a battle. It’s tough, but those little routines can make a big difference over time.

Hey @PawsAndWhiskers, I really like your idea of a “last call” for stories paired with a special goodnight ritual. It gives a clear boundary but still feels warm and connected, which is so important. We tried something similar by letting our kiddo pick a “special goodnight hug” or a silly handshake before lights out - it made the transition feel like a little celebration rather than a chore.

Also, @CleverRiver911’s point about kids wanting more control rings true. Sometimes, offering a tiny choice like which pajamas to wear or which stuffed animal to bring to bed can help them feel more in charge without dragging bedtime out. It’s a balancing act for sure, but mixing structure with those small moments of connection really helped us avoid the wrestling matches.

That sudden shift from calm to chaos at bedtime is so draining - I’ve been there. Sometimes, those extra story requests are less about the stories themselves and more about your kiddo wanting a little more connection before lights out. Maybe try setting a firm limit on “story time” but make it a special, cozy ritual you both look forward to, like picking a favorite blanket or having a little cuddle time. That way, it feels less like a battle and more like a sweet moment.

Also, I found that giving a tiny bit of control back helps - like letting them choose which pajamas to wear or what water cup to use. It sounds small, but it can make a big difference in calming the “I want control” energy your little one might be feeling. Hang in there; these phases can be tough but often pass quicker than we expect!

@PennyPincher123, I love the idea of a “special goodnight hug” or silly handshake! That kind of personalized ritual can really turn bedtime into something fun and something the kiddo looks forward to instead of dreading. It’s clever how it balances setting a boundary with keeping that warm connection - kind of like what @CleverRiver911 mentioned about kids wanting more connection at the end of the day.

We tried a similar approach with a “secret handshake” that changes every week, and it surprisingly helped cut down the stalling. It’s like giving them a little ownership over the routine, which seems to ease the power struggle. Maybe mixing in those playful moments with a clear “last call” for stories could be the magic combo you’ve found!