If you are a parent of a child older than say 2 years old I’m sure you have heard your fair share of excuses and delay tactics for avoiding bedtime. When I was a child mine was to be very quiet around bedtime in the hopes that my mum would forget I was still sat with my older siblings..it didn’t work very often!

We should be grateful really because when Izzy does get to sleep she sleeps for 12 hours ( unlike her sister ) but it always amuses me when she suddenly becomes incredibly sweet and chatty when being tucked into bed..she knows I would find it hard not to want to listen to the stories that pour out of her sleepy head.

These are the excuses that Izzy uses when she wants to stay up a little longer..

1. The sun is still up.

It’s really hard to argue this point unless you have a sneaky plan.. Close the curtains an hour before bedtime, put pyjamas on and keep repeating it’s nearly bedtime x 1000.

2. I’m still hungry.

I assure you she is never actually hungry.

We do a late tea followed by a lightish supper for the girls in hopes of one day avoiding this statement. It rarely happens.

3. I need a drink.

This is usually said in a whiny tone and drink becomes dwink for the only time that day. I neeeedd a dwinnnkkk. Of course with more to drink the following statement is obvious.

4. I need a weeeeeee.

This is often said just moments after climbing the stairs knowing we have to go allll the way back down and to the back of the house. The joys.

Never thought I’d miss nappies.

5. Just one more story?

It doesn’t matter how many stories you read there will always be that little voice asking for just one more. You know the sweet, soft voice you only hear at bedtime. That one.

You give in. Obviously.

6. I can’t close my eyes.

Izzy says this without fail every night. I then answer with ok just relax while I pop to the loo and I’ll come back to you. Every night I go back within 5 mins and she is fast asleep.

Honestly..I’m just not tired.

7. I’m too hot/too cold.

Except when I offer to add/remove layers I get a sigh and an oh I’m alright.

Lies.

8. Where is ( insert name of random toy that she’s only ever looked at once )?? I can’t sleep without it..

Hmmm yet you have slept every night without it for the last 3 years??

9. My blanket is too hurty.

This is an actual sentence my child says. Normally because she wants a different duvet cover on the day I’m washing her favourite one. I never give in here. Changing bed covers twice a day is not something I enjoy.

10. I’ll miss you too much…because I love youuuuuuu.

She’s got me. I’m more than happy to lie here for 30 minutes cuddling my girl who loves me so.