Bedtime. The finish line of the parenting marathon. The moment we’ve been waiting for since the third snack request before noon. And yet, every night, without fail, our children transform into expert negotiators, master stallers, and bedtime-avoidance Olympians.
At @thetiredcouple, we’ve documented the chaos of bedtime many times (and, let’s be honest, laughed at our own misfortune). If you’ve ever found yourself promising “just one more story” or falling for the classic “I need water” trick, this post is for you.
Let’s break down the top bedtime stalling tactics, how to counter them, and a few parent-approved solutions (because sometimes, you just need a little help).
1. “I Need Water”
The Tactic:
Right as you tuck them in, their tiny voice chimes: “I’m sooo thirsty!” Suddenly, hydration is the most critical issue of their life.
The Counterplay:
Hand them a water bottle before bedtime so they can’t pull this one. If they still insist, well, you’ve already got your answer: They don’t need water. They need an excuse.
(Bonus tip: Keep the water bottle somewhere in reach, so you don’t have to get up again.)
2. “Just One More Book!”
The Tactic:
Your child is a literary scholar… only at bedtime. You could barely get them to read earlier, but now? They’re desperate for another Goodnight Moon reading.
The Counterplay:
Set a clear two-book rule and stick to it. Or, if you want a game-changer, introduce a Tonies Box. This screen-free storytelling device lets kids listen to stories on demand, meaning they feel in control—while you get to reclaim your evening.
📌 Affiliate Parent Hack: We love the Tonies Box for bedtime! It plays stories and music without a screen, and you can set a time limit, so once it’s done—so is bedtime.
3. “I’m Not Tired”
The Tactic:
Despite yawning through dinner and almost falling asleep in the bath, they are now suddenly full of energy.
The Counterplay:
This is where winding down before bed becomes crucial. Start dimming lights 30 minutes before, turn off any exciting TV shows, and swap high-energy play for something calming.
📌 Affiliate Parent Hack: The Kindle Fire Kids Edition is great for this because it lets you control screen time. Set it to go into “sleep mode” at bedtime, so there’s no negotiating when it’s time to power down. Bonus? The Kindle Fire has access to kid-friendly audiobooks to help transition into sleep mode.
4. “My Blanket/Sock/Pajamas Feel Weird”
The Tactic:
Suddenly, their cozy blanket is too hot, their sock is itchy, and their favorite pajamas feel off. They have never been more uncomfortable in their lives.
The Counterplay:
Anticipate this stall by making sure everything is comfy before bedtime. But let’s be honest—sometimes, this is just a distraction. In that case, a simple, calm response like “We’ll fix it in the morning” helps move things along.
*(Or, if you’re dealing with a particularly persistent child, offer a “one-time blanket fix” deal—after that, no more negotiations!)
5. “I Forgot to Tell You Something Super Important!”
The Tactic:
Right as you’re closing the door, your child suddenly remembers the most critical piece of information ever. It might be about a toy they saw three weeks ago, a random thought about dinosaurs, or a full recap of a movie you didn’t even know they watched.
The Counterplay:
Tell them you can’t wait to hear it in the morning. If they resist, remind them, “If it’s really important, you’ll still remember it tomorrow!” 99% of the time, they won’t.
(And if they do? Well, at least you’ll hear it over coffee instead of at bedtime.)
6. The Stealth Escape
The Tactic:
You think they’re asleep. You tiptoe out, sigh in relief, and then—suddenly—a shadowy figure appears in the hallway. They have escaped.
The Counterplay:
If they keep sneaking out, walk them back to bed with minimal interaction. The less attention they get, the less fun it becomes.
(And if you hear them up but they don’t come out? Well… if they’re quiet, maybe just let it slide.)
Winning Bedtime: The Final Thoughts
Bedtime stalling is an art, and our kids are the Picassos. The key is to stay consistent, keep your sense of humor, and have a few parent-approved tricks up your sleeve.
If you’re looking for ways to make bedtime easier, check out our parent-approved recommendations:
✅ Tonies Box – for independent, screen-free bedtime stories
✅ Kindle Fire Kids – for screen-time control and audiobook options
And don’t forget to follow @thetiredcouple on Instagram for more real-life parenting wins and fails—because bedtime struggles are better when we all laugh about them together.
What’s the wildest bedtime excuse you’ve heard? Drop it in the comments—we need to know what we’re up against!