If bedtime is a bit of a battle in your home you will no doubt be all too familiar with the following 12 excuses; no doubt you will hear a few of these at least once.
1. "I’m scared"
They might be they might not be so talk to them and see what is worrying them.
2. "It’s too dark"
Stick on a nightlight and they have no excuse to be out of bed.
3. "I’m not tired"
A pretty common one - they are probably overtired if we are being honest.
4. "I need to go to the toilet"
A quick trip to the toilet and back to bed should be enough to settle this.
5. "I miss you"
They are playing on your heart strings - don’t let them get to you.
6. "I can’t find my favourite teddy2
They have at least ten beside them but of course they want the one that you can’t find. The one that is probably in the car.
7. "I just wanted to give you a kiss"
Again with the heartstrings, we’ll pretend to be annoyed but secretly we’ll love the attention.
8. "I’m hungry"
Resist the urge to give them anything to eat. It’ll be another 20 minutes before they get back to bed and they’ll probably want to brush their teeth again.
9. "I’m thirsty"
Don’t do it! See point four above. You’re just giving them another excuse to get out of bed.
10. "My pyjamas are uncomfortable"
They knew this as soon as you put them on but waited until they were in bed.
11. "My head hurts"
They were perfectly fine right up until you announced it was time for bed.
12. "I’m cold"
Even if it’s 20°C outside they will insist that they need another blanket because they are too cold. Give them 20 minutes and they’ll be complaining they are too hot.
