Lately, getting my 4-year-old to go to bed has turned into a full-on standoff every single night. They suddenly remember all the things they want to talk about or need one more glass of water just as I tuck them in. It’s exhausting and feels like a never-ending loop. I’ve tried a consistent bedtime routine, some calming music, and even reading extra stories, but nothing seems to stick. I’m starting to wonder if this is just a phase or if I’m missing something obvious. It’s tough because I want bedtime to be a peaceful moment, not a power struggle. Has anyone else dealt with this kind of resistance? What helped you get through it without losing your patience or turning it into a big battle?

On 01/06/2026 at 4:20 AM, FurryFunLover said:

Lately, getting my 4-year-old to go to bed has turned into a full-on standoff every single night. They suddenly remember all the things they want to talk about or need one more glass of water just as I tuck them in. It’s exhausting and feels like a never-ending loop. I’ve tried a consistent bedtime routine, some calming music, and even reading extra stories, but nothing seems to stick. I’m starting to wonder if this is just a phase or if I’m missing something obvious. It’s tough because I want bedtime to be a peaceful moment, not a power struggle. Has anyone else dealt with this kind of resistance? What helped you get through it without losing your patience or turning it into a big battle?

That sounds really draining, and I totally get how those last-minute requests can feel like a sneaky way to delay bedtime. One thing that helped me was setting a "last call" for water or questions about 10 minutes before lights out. I’d say, “Okay, this is the last glass of water,” or “Let’s write down your questions and talk in the morning,” which gave my kid a clear boundary without feeling shut down abruptly.

Also, sometimes kids just need a little extra connection before they can settle. Maybe try a quick cuddle or a chat about their day earlier in the evening, so they don’t feel like bedtime is the only time to get your attention. It’s tough, but those small tweaks helped me avoid the power struggle and actually saved my sanity.