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PDT Real Talk
Bedtime Battles and Creative Excuses
Mona Amin
January 26, 2025
In this Real Talk series, we celebrate YOU– our incredible PedsDocTalk community! Parenting is full of surprises, and bedtime often brings out the most creative, clever, and downright hilarious excuses from our children. Whether it’s an urgent need to go to the bathroom or a pressing question about life’s greatest mysteries, these moments can make bedtime both a battle and a source of laughter.
This month, we asked:
“What’s the most creative excuse your child has given to avoid bedtime?”
And your responses didn’t disappoint. From witty one-liners to elaborate stalling tactics, you shared the best of the best. The creativity children bring to bedtime shows just how imaginative and resourceful they can be – especially when it comes to bedtime stalling. While these tactics may test our patience, they also reflect how much children crave connection and a little extra time with us.
Here are some of the responses shared by the PDT community that made us laugh and nod in solidarity:
“My son will endlessly say, “I need…something!” as he desperately tries to think of something he needs.”
“I’m too busy right now!”
“My son can’t talk yet, but he is great at stalling by asking to read again!”
“My 7-year-old has been in a phase where she wants to be a mom lately…the other night I toddler her it’s time to go to bed and she said she can’t. I have to stay up until my baby goes to sleep.”
“My 3-year-old hid her favorite cuddle blanket and pretended it was missing. The whole family looked for it until she went to her closet and said, “just kidding, I put it in here… I just wanted to play hide and seek one more time before bed.”
“2-year-old convinced husband that she didn’t eat dinner and needed mashed potatoes at 11:00 at night lol he made them for her which she refused to eat because she definitely did have dinner and was just trying to to anything to keep his attention.”
“My bunny feels like the bed is not comfy enough. I think she would like to go to the couch in the living room instead.”
“My 4-year-old, who is quite articulate, looked me dead in the eye and told me verbatim with a straight face that she “signed up for the later flight to unicorn land and they were running behind on a weather delay.” She even went on to say, “and clearly the runway is closed right now” for context we are in an airline family.”
“Hungry, but not actually and just wants to go to the kitchen and rummage through the cabinets”
Navigating bedtime battles
Bedtime struggles are something most caregivers face at some point. These tips can help make bedtime smoother and less stressful for everyone.
Stick to a consistent schedule
Children thrive on predictability. Establishing a regular bedtime between 7 and 9 p.m. (at the latest) helps set their internal clock and reduces power struggles. Staying consistent with your timing reinforces that bedtime is a non-negotiable part of the day.
Keep the routine short and predictable
A familiar bedtime routine creates a sense of security for your child. Whether it’s bath, brush, books, and bed or a similar pattern, following the same steps each night signals to your child that it’s time to wind down. If you’re running behind, it’s okay to shorten certain activities, like a 10-minute bath can be shortened to 5 minutes, but keep the order consistent. Just make sure you remain calm and don’t seem rushed, as toddlers will pick up on this and likely stall more.
Responding to common bedtime excuses
As we have established, children are experts at coming up with creative ways to stall sleep. Here are a few quick scripts to help you hold boundaries while staying calm:
“I need more water.” → “Let’s take one last trip, and then it’s time for bed.”
“I have to go potty.” → “Okay, one last trip to the bathroom. Then it’s time for bed.”
“One more story.” → “We read our two stories for tonight. We can read more tomorrow.”
“My ankle itches.” → “Let me give it a quick scratch, and now it’s bedtime.”
If your child continues to push, calmly repeat the boundary: “We already had water. Now it’s time to sleep.” Acknowledging their feelings while holding firm on the limit reassures them and sets the tone for future nights.
Offer choices to empower your child
While bedtime is non-negotiable, offering small choices can help your child to feel more in control. Try:
“Do you want this stuffed animal or that one?”
“Do you want to walk or should I carry you?”
Stick to two options to avoid overwhelming them. If they struggle to decide, gently step in: “Since you didn’t choose, I’ll pick this time. Tomorrow, you can choose again.”
Maintain your boundary and stay calm
Children will test limits, especially at bedtime. The key is staying calm and composed while holding firm. If your child resists, acknowledge their feelings:
“I know you’re upset, but it’s time for bed now.”
“We need to sleep now so we can have fun tomorrow.”
These gentle yet firm responses help reinforce boundaries while reassuring your child that you’re there for them.
For more strategies, check out the PedsDocTalk YouTube video, where I share personal experiences with Ryaan and show how we’ve managed bedtime battles.
Thank you for sharing!
Thank you to everyone who shared their stories this month! Whether you’re navigating endless stalling tactics or enjoying those quiet post-bedtime moments, you’re not alone.
The winner of this month’s giveaway has been notified via email, and we’ll have another Real Talk question for you in February. Keep an eye out for the first Q&A of the month– you won’t want to miss it!
Thank you for being part of our incredible PedsDocTalk community. We’re grateful to share this space with you ❤️
PedsDocTalk Monthly Recap
Check out the PedsDocTalk monthly recap of the most-viewed and talked-about content on Instagram, YouTube, and the podcast. From breath holding spells to raising resilient kids, these topics have sparked important conversations. Take a look at what’s been catching your attention this month!
On Instagram
One of the most popular PDT posts of 2024 is back! This reel shares when to start setting boundaries, which is as early as 9 months. Learn how to stay calm, redirect behaviors, and use positive reinforcement to teach cause and effect. Boundaries aren’t about punishment–they’re about teaching!
Another top PDT post from 2024 is back! This must-watch reel on breath-holding spells in toddlers. These episodes can feel scary, but they’re reflexive and not intentional. Learn how to respond calmly and what to look out for. Awareness is key!
On YouTube
This video explores the benefits of humidifiers for respiratory health, skincare, and sleep, featuring Vicks products and essential maintenance tips. Regular cleaning is crucial to prevent mold and bacterial growth. Learn how to use humidifiers safely and effectively.
On The PDT Podcast
In this podcast episode, I dive into how we can help children handle challenges, adapt to change, and recover from setbacks – all while respecting their emotions. Learn how to model healthy coping skills, foster a growth mindset, and support your child in navigating life’s ups and downs with confidence.
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