My nine year-old son is a master negotiator when it comes to extending his bedtime. He is always looking for ways to take full advantage of those last “five more minutes.” Since he was diagnosed with epilepsy last May, adhering to a strict bedtime has become even more important because studies show that sleep deprivation can be a trigger for seizures.
Here are some of my little darling’s favorite excuses for not going to bed:
- “I need to go to the bathroom.”
- “When are you going to bed, Mommy?”
- “I can’t sleep without my Teddy Bear.”
- “I’m thirsty and I need a drink of water.”
- “Daddy is snoring too loud and keeping me awake.”
It turns out that I am not alone in this struggle of daily bartering. As a matter of fact, bedtime excuses are universal – more than 60% of parents around the globe are dealing with kids’ stall tactics before bed, adding up to nearly 20 minutes every single night. Imagine that, not only are they getting us to give them five more minutes, but we are usually going back and forth with them for a full 20 minutes extra!
Luckily, Netflix has our back and will be helping all parents to take back the night and those little moments of “me” time from the little people. Using a little reverse psychology the next time your sweet children ask you to stay up a little later, tell them that they can watch an ENTIRE show before going to bed.
Netflix and DreamWorks Animation launched Dinotrux 5 Minute Favorites, new episodes of the latest hit, all in a nice little 5-minute package — letting your little negotiator think they’re getting away with staying up later. The looks on their faces will be magical when they realize that they have been duped and allowed to watch a WHOLE 300 seconds of an entire show! It sounds like the score is parents-1 and sneaky kids-2.
Have you ever been tricked into the bedtime stall trap? Do you have a “5 more minute” negotiator on your hands, or is your little one slow as snails come bedtime? It’s time you turn the tables and show him or her who is really the boss!
Let’s Discuss: What are some of your child’s favorite excuses for not going to bed?
Disclosure: This post is part of a blogging campaign in collaboration with Netflix. As a member of the Netflix Stream Team, I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
© 2015, Tough Cookie Mommy. All rights reserved.
My kids have given me every excuse in the book! It’s such a struggle with them sometimes.
Come bedtime, the kids can invent a hundred of reasons. The five minute favorites will really help.
Ah yes, bedtime, when my house turns into a courtroom. LOL! My sons are going to love these little shows, and I can’t wait to check it out with them. I love that they’re only 5 minutes!
This made me laugh so hard! I remember when my sister was about 2 (she’s 6 years younger than me) and would CONSTANTLY be stalling going to bed. I would try to tell her she was gonna get in trouble – she NEVER listened LOL Poor thing still HATES to go to bed and she’s all grown up!
Both of my kids were awful about stalling at bedtime. Especially my night owl daughter!
These sure are wonderful. My nephews will love them and I will keep them entertained for a while!
My youngest has never once been given a single excuse. One of the many ways in which I’m very fortunate I guess.
Haha my kids definitely fit into some of these categories. I think the “I’m thirsty/hungry” trick is a pretty common one.
That is so funny because I definitely have one of those kids!
Bedtime is a dreaded time for me in my house. My husband is home for it too and it’s still the most stressful part of my days. I have 4 stallers, and that isn’t fun.
My son was a staller when he was younger. These would have been perfect for him!
LOL, with your son’s excuses. I can’t even remember my son’s excuses but I wish I would have written them down. I love this infograph. It is so cute.
My kids were expert bedtime stallers when they were little. I would start half an hour before I really wanted them in bed.
My son has use all of those excused from that info graphic lol EVERY night!!! Now what I do is give him a choice between going to bed right away or having his favorite taken away. So far it is working. We had to change his bedtime because didn’t want to get up in the morning.