The Procrastinations of a Two-Year-Old
My daughter has hit that phase where she has learned that life goes on outside of her bedtime. And she doesn’t like it at all. 
We have now embarked on new territory which is the Quick! Stall Mom Before She Notices It’s My Bedtime Phase. I have to hand it to her–she’s creative! The other night went something like this:
Daughter: Mom, I need a drink.
Me: You’re fine. Now go to sleep. Kiss!
Daughter: Um, I have to go to the bathroom.
Me: You just went. Goodnight.
Daughter: Mom! Mom! I have to show you something. (She jumps up on her bed and points to a needlepoint sampler). What’s that?
Me: It’s a giraffe. Goodnight.
Daughter: I need another kiss. (sloppy toddler kiss)
Me: Now go to sleep.
Daughter: Another hug?
Now toddlers are master manipulators. They know just how to mess with you and make you feel like a rotten person if you don’t give them one extra hug or kiss. They can fling themselves into a dramatic fit, sobbing that they need you to cover them up with a special blankie. And of course, I’m aware that this is all part of the Master Stalling Plot.
Do your kids have any strange bedtime routines, aka Stalling? Or what did you do when you were a kid? I used to read in bed when I wasn’t supposed to. 
Michelle posted in Writing @ 8:00 pm | Viewed 2272 times
kacey Says:
I used to read under the covers with a flashlight… Of course I was older than a toddler then
beth Says:
The only “backtalk” we get is the grumbling that the girls do because they have to move from sleeping downstairs to upstairs. But then, they’re dogs. I know they say to let sleeping dogs lie, but I really enjoy having them curled up with us, so we make them move.
Not quite the same, I realize. But it’s the best I can do.
As for me? I remember always trying to pick a REALLY long book for my bedtime story and say they had to finish it. Never worked.
Melissa Says:
My daughter hates to go to bed. Always needs a drink of water or an extra hug and kiss.
Melissa Mc Says:
My youngest must make at least three to four trips a night downstairs after bedtime. Here’s the usual excuses:
1) My blanket fell off
2) I have to go potty
3) I have an owie
4) Did you know that
The other two were not like this so it’s been new territory for us.
Robyn Says:
My teens suddenly decide they have to talk to me about Something Important. I’m always afraid that they actually do, so they usually get away with it until I can tell they’re just coming up with crap.
Sue aka MsCreativity Says:
I used to read way past my bedtime too - by the time I was 11 I’d learnt to lay my dressing gown along the bottom of the door so my light couldn’t be seen.
My son (aged 14!!) still uses stalling techniques when he’s supposed to be going to bed - it’s always this time of night when he goes into conversation mode!!
Sue
Lexi Connor Says:
I used to act out my own stories when I was “supposed to be” sleeping. I’d have interviews with myself as a famous actress or singer (whichever profession I wanted that week). I’d work out plot details, perfect dialogue, anything I could do to keep from falling asleep too early.
Carol M Says:
My sister and I used to talk for a while. I used to tell her she was adopted! lol