Hellobee Boards

@mediagirl: I try and state how many books are left before and after each book we read. "Ok this is our first book, and then we will read two more." "Ok this is our second book, we'll read this one and then we'll read one more." "Ok this is our third book, this is the last one, ok?" I wait until she agrees before I start reading!

Usually that helps with the book begging, but lately she's been asking for four books! I'm really careful to never do that though, because then I'd never hear the end of it.

I just tell him from the start "Two books" (always the same two, unless it's the weekend, then he gets three). If he argues or whines I tell him "If you keep whining we're not reading any books" (and stick to it). If he throws a fit about that, I tell him that he wasn't acting like a big boy and only big boys get to read stories to mommy, and maybe tomorrow he'll get to read.

As for any additional whining/crying, I just stay firm about it being bedtime. I give him lots of love before I leave, but I've left his room with him crying more than once. It never lasts more than a few minutes after I close the door (although I do check if he's screaming after 10 minutes, because usually he's gotten his foot stuck in the slats or something...) but when I go in I'm very no-nonsense (unless his foot is actually stuck, then I kiss it). No extra attention, just "It's bedtime now. Goodnight."

We do what @mrbee: does. Consistency is key. Chloe struggles with change and transition, so making sure she knows exactly what is happening and when is key!

DD1: Read a book in bed, then turn out lights and lay down with her. Then, tell her a story, sing her a song, and say prayers while tickling her back. Then we leave. She whines a bit, but lately has been putting herself down without too much fuss. (We used to have to lay with her for an hour!)

DD2: Book, lights out in room, rock in glider while listening to lullabies on Pandora. Put in bed once she's drowsy. Keep Pandora playing in her room until she's out cold.

DD3: Change diaper, nurse, swaddle, put in bed. Though, it doesn't really matter much now since she's still up every 2 hours! Bedtime never really "feels" like bedtime for her!