If you didn’t win the prize pack during our #PowerDownLittleRobot Twitter Party where we were talking about solving bedtime battles with your little ones, you have another chance now. Enter below for a chance to win a “Sleepy Time Prize Pack” including the new book Power Down Little Robot. Prizes are open to US and Canada. This giveaway is sponsored by Macmillan Kids.
“Power Down Little Robot” – The Book
Have you seen this adorable new bedtime storybook for little kids?
It’s time to power down for the night, but Little Robot isn’t ready! He quickly opens his stalling program. Luckily, Mom Unit knows exactly how to get him into his sleep module.
If you have little ones who like to drag out their bedtime routines, you’ll love this book.
#PowerDownLittleRobot Twitter Party
To celebrate the launch of this sweet new story, we hosted a Twitter Party about Sharing and Solving Bedtime Struggles sponsored by Macmillan Kids @MacKidsBooks on March 11 at 8pm ET. We had a great chat with some fabulous tweeps sharing tips and experiences about getting our little ones to sleep.
Community Panelists
(These awesome blogging moms joined the party as panelists.)
@Mommyoutside
@SavingsATLMoms
@tidbitsofexperi
@Janellcp
A Few Tweets From The Twitter Party
Welcome – Sharing & Solving Bedtime Struggles #PowerDownLittleRobot TwitterParty @MacKidsBooks http://t.co/Sn3Hew6Cs1 pic.twitter.com/bBEOVrXbPc
— 5minutesformom (@5minutesformom) March 12, 2015
Pls follow @MacKidsBooks & panelists @Mommyoutside @SavingsATLMoms @tidbitsofexperi @Janellcp #PowerDownLittleRobot pic.twitter.com/Y6NlxKUex2
— 5minutesformom (@5minutesformom) March 12, 2015
My 9yr old Julia has stalled every night of her life. Thankfully my 7yr old Sophia is always easy to get to sleep. #PowerDownLittleRobot
— 5minutesformom (@5minutesformom) March 12, 2015
Julia WILL NOT go to bed if you try to skip a step in her routine. Sophia just follows along with whatever. #PowerDownLittleRobot
— 5minutesformom (@5minutesformom) March 12, 2015
@5minutesformom Patience is a virtue and is definitely required at bedtime #PowerDownLittleRobot
— linda whalen (@lindaw_whalen) March 12, 2015
@5minutesformom Start an hr before bed, turn off all electronics, dim lights, bath and jammies, story time and kisses! #PowerDownLittleRobot
— Erika (@scrappiedoodle) March 12, 2015
TIP: Avoid electronics such as TV & smart phones before bed. More tips-> http://t.co/bi1uja75aP #PowerDownLittleRobot pic.twitter.com/J3dQUxy6MX
— 5minutesformom (@5minutesformom) March 12, 2015
DID YOU KNOW? Reading aloud 15 min every day for 5 yrs: 27,375 minutes! #PowerDownLittleRobot http://t.co/j1TEahgJA0 pic.twitter.com/ixCMHWGQHR
— 5minutesformom (@5minutesformom) March 12, 2015
“Children are made readers on the laps of their parents.†~ Emilie Buchwald #PowerDownLittleRobot #Reading #Quote
— 5minutesformom (@5minutesformom) March 12, 2015
At 5 yrs old, Julia got addicted to “Bartholomew and the Oobleck†– I wrote a post about it at http://t.co/aV4dmI5qgM #PowerDownLittleRobot
— 5minutesformom (@5minutesformom) March 12, 2015
@5minutesformom Reading and snuggles are also great bedtime routines, along with relaxing baths! 🙂 #PowerDownLittleRobot
— Lori Leal (@LoriLeal1) March 12, 2015
@5minutesformom A9. Yes they both have blanked that Grandma knit them! #PowerDownLittleRobot pic.twitter.com/xBBZqAZMci
— Melissa Finn (@MelissaFinn) March 12, 2015
@5minutesformom Start early w/ lowering lights; it's quiet time. No TV/flashy toys. Bath, bedtime stories/snuggles. #PowerDownLittleRobot
— Ashley DeSutter (@ashleyraye) March 12, 2015
@5minutesformom A10. Stick to your routine. Have downtime & enjoy those snuggles! #PowerDownLittleRobot
— Melissa Finn (@MelissaFinn) March 12, 2015
My best advice for a bedtime routine is to make reading books the focus of it and ENJOY. The early years end too soon. #PowerDownLittleRobot
— Janice Croze (@janicecroze) March 12, 2015
My advice is to understand and adapt to your individual child. Julia’s bedtime needs are so different than Sophia’s. #PowerDownLittleRobot
— 5minutesformom (@5minutesformom) March 12, 2015
Enter to Win
Leave us a comment letting us know if your tykes are bedtime battlers. Then enter to win a “Sleepy Time Kit”of approximate value $100 that includes:
- Beginner’s tooth brush and tooth paste
- Mobi WallMate Monkey night light
- Minky arrow blanket
- Angel Dear lovie
- $25 Target gift card
- Power Down Little Robot
Disclosure: This Twitter Party is sponsored by Macmillan Kids and the new book Power Down Little Robot.
Written by Susan Carraretto, co-founder of 5 Minutes for Mom
Talk with me: @5minutesformom and Facebook.com/5minutesformom
Pin with me at http://pinterest.com/5minutesformom/
My daughter has a hard time going to bed, and then wakes up around 3ish…. we have tried lavender, and it works fairly well.
Y ea all the time,Im scared,I need a drink of water,Im not sleepy.
Our daughter never wants to go to bed at bedtime.
She outlasts me! She just never gets tired. She can lay in bed for hours quiet but awake.
My kids used to say they were not sleepy as they were rubbing their eyes. Thank you
My boys definitely stall. It starts with the “I’m scared of monsters in the closet, under the bed…” which they are not afraid of monsters or the dark. Then, they want water. Then, they have to go to the bathroom. The bathroom one they keep using because they know I won’t stop them from using the bathroom if they really have to. Finally, I usually have to threaten to take them to the doctor since they can’t stop using the bathroom and they go to bed.
Thank you!
I don’t really have any bedtime problems. We have a pretty consistent bedtime routine. Our days are so filling, we are ready for bed!
My daughter loves bedtime, but my son will ask for water, say he’s hungry–anything to stay up late.
Just one more chapter! Or 5 more minutes! All the time.
My grandson has a little bit of trouble because he always need that extra sip of water or bathroom break.
subscribe email: slehan at myway dot com
No kids. I just tell myself I want to read one more chapter in my book.
Thanks for the contest.
Not too much stalling here, can’t complain.
My daughter gets all cuddly and clingy, claiming to just want to spend more time with me.
I haven’t really ever had much trouble out of bed time. The kids get sleepy early and go to bed without a fuss =)
my kids always wanted to play just a little bit longer
They are always thirsty no matter how much they drink-lol
They use every trick in the book. Thirsty, bathroom, hungry, scared of the dark, noise, not sleepy, Brother is talking, brother is making me talk, I feel like crying for no reason to get your attention..etc
They get up so early so I never had a problem with them going to sleep at bedtime sometimes I had a problem with them staying up till bedtime.
They always want just one more drink of water
My daughter stalls by saying she is thirsty or needs to go to the bathroom,
Oh goodness yes! My daughter does! She used to sleep so easily but the past few months have been hectic. I try to keep a routine and it seems to help a little!
Asking for something to drink or snacks
My nephew gets a little fussy at first and might cry for two to five minutes, but he usually falls asleep quickly.
My son usually says he’s thirty or it’s question and answer time.
My nephew doesn’t really.
they would keep trying to go to the bathroom
I must be lucky, my girls love to sleep so there’s no struggling or stalling from them.
my son gets up to pee every 5 minutes when he is supposed to be sleeping.
They try to forget to brush their teeth, set their clothes away for the next day and saw that the bed time story wasn’t as long as the night before and want a longer one.
We have had a lot of going to the bathroom when it is time for sleep
Just on the weekends. I work nights and she likes to stay up until I get outta work in the wee hours of the morning. Isn’t that bad because we can sleep in but Sundays are tough for her.
They don’t do it often but when they do it’s usually for a drink or because they say they forgot to tell me they loved me even though they didn’t.
They talk about how they need hugs and kisses, and they need water, and they need to pee, and they are hungry.
My grandson takes off his pajamas and pull up. He knows Mama will come back in to fix it!
We don’t really have battles unless we do something out of order.
My daughter walks slowly and takes her time.
I am so fortunate that neither of my children ever battled bedtime! Although I think that my cousin, who just recently had a baby, is losing a lot of sleep trying to get that little one down at night!
Yes, my youngest is a terror at getting out of bed repeatedly with lame excuses to stay up.
My daughter was great during bedtime and so far, my grandchild is too.
My granddaughter will say she is itchy and needs a bath even if she just had one.
She hasn’t battled yet!
Heck yes! They try story time, they try there is monsters in their closet and under their bed. They try they need to say goodnight to daddy first.
Nope! My 3 yr old has always loved sleep. If he’s overtired then there might be a bit of bedtime routine issues.
My son does sometimes. He’s newest trick is he will say that he needs to read a book first so he can sleep, never mind, he was just read 1 or 2 books!
My son tries to use every excuse in the book to not go to bed.
Yes they pretend they want a glass of water and to use the bathroom but just kinda dawdle around
My daughter just screams and cries until I go in there and get her she don’t self sooth so she will be up all night!
My kids are usually pretty good at going to bed but every once in awhile they fight it.
She always asks to extend reading time before bedtime!
Yes we have breathing troubles.
Unfortunately, yes. My little one fights sleeps by crying 🙁
“I want to stay up with you!”
My kids excuses are always hungry, thirsty, have to use the restroom. Ugh
Yes, 2 of them require an insane amount of cuddles, and then they are thirsty, and then they are cold, and then their back is itchy…
One of little guys has become the king of nighttime stalling. Thirsty, scared, questions to ask, bumps in the night.. you name it. We are being tough and returning him each time to bed. He has a nightlight and we keep his door slightly ajar and these help.
They don’t battle bedtime anymore, but when they used to they always said they had to go to the bathroom or got up because they need a drink.
andysavi.mom@gmail.com
They are thirsty, it’s to dark, they think they can hear something by their window….
My grand kids suddenly become hungry or thirsty. They always ask for one more story or book too.
wanting to read stories
I don’t have a problem with my kids.
My 9 year old is the best staller… he always needs to kiss and hug everyone… one. last. time. which is usually the 3rd or 4th time.
My newborn is soooo fussy at bedtime. Right now a good feeding and swaddling are doing the trick.
My smallest “tike” is now 14, and I’m still battling bedtimes with him. His stalling tactics, “Oh! I forgot to brush my teeth!” “I’m really hungry; I know it’s late, but can I get some cereal?” … and if I stick my head in, he’s sometimes watching videos on his cell phone instead of powering down. 🙁 … I have to threaten him with making his “bedtime” earlier, since he’s still up so much later than his actual bedtime.
My daughters so cute it’s usually the one more….hug, story, cuddle etc. ADORABLE!
When my kidlets were small they played outside EVERYDAY even if it was raining/cold.It made them all pretty good sleepers.My son went through a period of night terrors when he was about 26 months.That was VERY scary for both of us.
he is still to youjng to be battling it. I expect it to come any time now
My two yr old son is very good about bedtime so far
My kids don’t stall much at bedtime, but sometimes my oldest sometimes gets so mellow and plays so quietly that we let him stay up late. If that is a stalling technique, it works on us! 😉 Thanks for the giveaway!
EVERY NIGHT IS A BED BATTLE !!! MOSTLY MY SON SAYS HE WANTS MILK.
My kiddos have all been good about bedtime. We have our baths, teeth, story and then prayers.
I always hear “I’m not tired yet” but mommy is !
very large battle with one for about a year with simply not sleeping! it was amazing how long he could go on 4 hours of sleep.
I used to have to read and make sounds after mine were in bed.
My nieces always makes an excuse that they are hungry
When my daughter was little she would try to keep from going to bed by saying she needed a drink or had to go to the bathroom.
Yes, my grandson stalls by remembering every thing he forgot to tell about school.
B
I have been pretty lucky my son never really stalled with going to bed!
My daughter always tried to stay up late, there was always a new things as to why…..even her doll used to get stomach aches. LOL
Very rarely does Sophie battle bedtime but when she does she says she can’t sleep because her bed is just too uncomfortable.
My son was always good to go to bed but my grandchildren always need a drink another kiss or just a hug.
battle every night! I’m starving, I’m not tired, I need a drink!
Our daughter always wanted just one more story read to her. She would also need a drink of water.
My kids are great and don’t struggle with going to bed.
My son does not like bedtime – he tried his best to stay awake even when you can see him fading. Usually he just tries to keep his eyes as wide open as possible, as if trying to convince us he is actually very awake.
My son struggles and uses being hungry as an excuse. 95% of the time it just can’t be.
every night they use the “but mommy im sooo thirsty, i just need one more drink” love that !
Yes!!! He swears he is hungry, but never wants the million things I make him.
The kids have a routine with bedtime and stick to it:)
My niece and nephew don’t always like going to sleep; just get upset and do everything they can to stay awake
Yes, they use the bathroom and needing drinks.
Our just-two year old is happy to go in her crib and read books alone…as long as one of us sits in the rocking chair. “Sit there!”
We don’t have kids yet, we are working on it. But we do babysit once in a while and we usually don’t have the same bed time problems that parents have. I am sure we will someday though.
Most of the time bedtime is usually a pretty tough thing for both kids. I usually lay with them and read before they fall asleep. I use to try and use TV because they said that would work and that just kept them up way longer past their bedtime! Schedule and patience is definitely key!
EVERY night before bed, my son magically gets hungry, then thirsty and then “can I just watch 1 more video on youtube”!
Always a battle at bedtime with my boys , I usually get them to settle after reading a book or listening to music
My youngest just keeps on dancing until I fall asleep, so I guess that’s her trick. But yes she surely battles bedtime…
My kids never did, but my little grandson is a pro at it. He always wants to read “just one more book”.
My nephew will tell me he wants to talk about my life haha.
My children go to bed easily it’s the staying asleep that’s a battle!!
My kids all stall at bedtime and are always asking for water or complaining that their sister is keeping them up.
not usually, occasionally read a story
My son has ADHD and bedtime is is a battle. He has tried to trick me and make me think he is asleep and then I can hear him playing. He is very tricky.
I don’t have children, but I know that my nephews like to draw out bedtime as long as possible.
My son battled sleep from birth until 6mo. He’s doing well now, but I hope he doesn’t regress and start to stall as he gets older!
My 2 year old fight bed time if he gets a nap, goes down well if he doesn’t. He doesn’t particularly have strategies yet, just fussing and wanting us to stay where he can see us.
they avoid it all costs. needing drinks, someone to lay down with them, etc. haven’t figured out any tips or tricks yet
My daughter is always trying to delay bedtime in her bed! She trys to sneak into my bed
I lucked out – my step daughter is great at bedtime – no issues, no stalling at all! I have heard horror stories from friends! Thanks for the chance!
My kids do the whole water, bathroom, scared, book, kisses, thing.
None of my kids battle bedtime.
He usually wants us to read one more story or asks questions.
I’m very blessed that neither of my children battle bedtime!
My daughter does she always says something hurts in order to stay up.
Do any of your children battle bedtime? What stalling tricks do they use?
i dont have children…mom use to just let me tire out..
i dont have kids of my own but would like to get this as a shower gift!
He absolutely tries to extend his stories before bed by asking a lot of questions about the book on just the last few pages.
My daughter (when she was young) looked forward to getting a nice bath, and then we’d make a production of snuggling up in her bed and reading a story.
They are hungry, thirsty, or have to tell us something…every night!
Mine are usually pretty good about going to bed, but occasionally we’ll hear “I’m thirsty”, “Can I have a snack, I’m still hungry”, or the dreaded, “But I have to go to the bathroom” (then he’ll stay in there forever).
THEY USE I AM HUNGRY OR THIRSTY BEFORE THEY GO TO BED
my toddler does not battle bedtime yet.
My kids will go to bed on time, but will try to get away with not brushing their teeth.
No they don’t fight bedtime.
The boogieman will get them after a certain hour
Mine decides he needs to potty or needs milk or a snack, or another story, or another hug, or really any darn thing he can come up with.
My kids beg to watch more TV and always claim its a special they can’t miss.
my nephew stalls and doesn’t want to go to bed lol
Oh I had ONE that was a real pistol….. she would do Everything kids do- but I’m hungry I’m thirsty, I’m scared, I want somebody, I’m not tired… She’d fuss and cry ON PURPOSE so she would wake up her sister who shared the room and I would get mad. She was a trial. I found nothing worked for her but a punishment. She’d get put to put earlier and earlier… and NO TV that evening before bed, only go to the room and read books… early and if she fussed, it was earlier the next night. No desserts, that sort of thing, Finally she stopped fussing so much and gave in.
laulaby
my son battles bedtime by wanting a snack or a drink, more songs, and more stories
A number of things… But mom it isn’t dark yet; But mom I’m not tired; but mom i didnt have a snack; but mom i need to use the bathroom; but mom i didnt have a drink; but mom i need tissues; but mom theres not enough light on; but mom you didnt read me a story….
My daughter would go to bed on time if she didn’t have so much homework.
My youngest son always wanted me to read his favorite book before bed which was very, very long.
My son prolongs going to bed by coming up with the most fascinating stories that take a half hour to explain, then proceeds with being thirsty and then needing the bathroom again.
My son refuses to fall asleep without me. I’m planning to start a new routine pretty soon to change it.
My kids are starting to protest bedtime. I try to make bedtime enjoyable by reading to them.
Of my 4 kids under 7, someone always takes the role of bedtime problem child 🙂 They rotate so you never know who it is going to be! Keeps things interesting.
When my daughter was young, she sometimes battled bedtime. Stalling tricks she used was that she needed to go to the bathroom or she wanted to be read another story. Thanks for the giveaway!
One more story..
No battles. They know what bedtime means and try to read more books than usual
My son battled going to bed and refused to brush his teeth.
one of my kids sleep walks.
We don’t have children of our own yet, but these items would be great for my precious little nieces!
Oh Yes!! I hear, I need to go to bathroom, I need a drink, I heard something and sissy is snoring (which is true sometimes).
I tried to make sure my kids were very active all day so they would just collapse at night.
I know my nephew tries to get drinks and wants just one more story.
Yes my kids do! They do I am not feeling well, I am hungry, and I had a bad dream when they haven’t even slept yet.
Sometimes my grandkids fight bedtime by asking for more stories, more water or having to go to the bathroom……again!
When I watch my grandson ,his bedtime routine is always to read a story or 2 and a night light, soft music of nursery rhymes . It usually works !
My kids do what they are told
read a story
asking for water
mine are good, they are tired out before bed
My son always battle bedtime. He loves being awake
My daughter does! She continues to shove food in her mouth and giggle like a hyena even when she can hardly hold her eyes open
My son was a staller at bedtime so I started using a timer with 5 minutes on it.He needed to brush his teeth and get into bed.I f he did he was rewarded with e story and a snuggle
My son always runs away from me when I tell him it’s bedtime, he ends up doing pretty well though. We have a good routine down 🙂
My granddaughter does not want to go to bed. She also gets up all times during the night. She is 2 1/2 and is wearing out my daughter. She wants one more book, or more milk, or play just a little more.
my daughter tries to sneak in multiple book readings at night
My son is 2 and he usually is really easy to put down. If we have a hard time we usually read him a story.
yes, drink, snack, book, bathroom, lol
My daughter just always says she needs something. Some water, another story, be tucked in again ect. lol
my son says he wants water then after I put him in bed he says he has to potty,
My kids ask for water or use the rest room after lights out. I’m always reminding them to do this before we all lay down.
My son don’t battle to go to sleep, having him on a routine works, thank you!
Stalling? I have to go potty, I’m thirsty, I need a Kleenex, where’s my train, I’m hot, I’m cold, I need a kiss, I need another book, I’m hungry, I’m not hungry….the list goes on and on.
Not usually a battle unless Daddy nots home
My kids are usually pretty good at getting to bed on time. We give them a 1/2 hour warning before it’s time.
My daughter asks me to tell or read her stories when it’s bedtime.
Yes– drink breaks, potty breaks, boo needs tending from early in the day or from previous days…etc.
my daughter stalls by staying up and playing her barbies
My son always wants to read “just one more book”! 🙂 Translation: Five more books then lights out!
My children are older so there is no stalling at bedtime.
I need a snack, I need a drink, I have to go potty, I’m not tired yet. LOL
My middle daughter always squawks and uses any excuse she can think of.
My oldest asks for more water, despite watching us fill up his cup before he gets into bed. He also likes insisting we look at ALL the things he sees out his window.
When my son was small, it was easy to put him to bed. It wasn’t til he was older that it became difficult. Then he couldn’t sleep at night any longer.
usually a snack or a drink of water,,bathroom,,etc..but we do all that before bed and are strick on the time
My LO is only 4 months old. We usually get a decent nights sleep, 1-2 feeding. I look forward to when he can sleep straight though. I am interested in the thought and advice at the #PowerDownLittleRobot party for when he gets older. My brother went through a terrible time with his oldest trying to establish a bedtime routine and I don’t want to be in the same boat! Can’t wait to chat with you all!
I read to my niece before bed time to get her to sleep.
My son is suddenly afraid of the dark, so it has been quite a struggle here lately.
Awesome blog you have here but I was wanting to know if you knew of any message boards that cover the same topics talked about in this
article? I’d really love to be a part of online community where
I can get opinions from other experienced people that share the
same interest. If you have any suggestions, please
let me know. Thank you!
My daughter’s favorite saying is, “Five more minutes?”
The last couple of days she’s been fighting it, but normally she has no problems with bedtime.
My youngest is often “scared” We have made him some monster spray to help him sleep better
Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in fact was once a leisure account it.
Glance complicated to far introduced agreeable from you!
However, how can we be in contact?
My son always asked for me to read extra books.
My grandson tries to stall by saying he’s thirsty!
Yes my son never wants to go to bed. He does what ever he can to stay up.
No battles here. They are always happy to go to bed and cuddle with their plush toys.
My daughter always asks for me to read her extra books… and my son will usually try to stay on the computer longer.
my daughter isn’t old enough to ask for things…she just keeps moving and moving. put pillow on, put pillow off….and so on
Sometimes I get the “I need a drink of water” or the “Just let finish this chapter in the book” but most of the time it’s not too bad.
I have 4 boys. My two oldest (ages 11 and 8) obviously do not fight bedtime. My five year old doesn’t either, but on weekends he might drag his feet a little when getting ready for bed. My youngest is one and definitely struggles with falling asleep. He has developmental delays and special needs so bedtime can be a struggle to help him find a way to settle down and fall asleep. A good book is always a start for us though
My kids don’t battle bedtime but I’m pregnant with my 4th child and that one may.
None of my kids battle bedtime.
Yes, sometime. She’s thirsty or have to go putty.
No battles. They know what bedtime means and try to read more books than usual.
My kids are both very well behaved at bedtime, they know their routine and follow it well. But yes they always try a couple tactics to stall that extra few minutes, like telling me a story of what happened in their day, or asking for water, etc. But really I have no complaints.
My son stalls bedtime by getting drinks and giving kisses and remembering fifty questions he forgot to ask during the day.
My daughter doesn’t usually struggle at bedtime anymore but sometimes she does. She will try everything from she has to potty to she needs a drink to she is scared of the dark.
None, Its lights out and bye-bye till morning!