Bedtime
A calmer bedtime for children who want just one more.
“One more drink. One more story.” For many children aged 3 to 5, bedtime isn’t about being tired. It’s about not wanting a good day to end. Here is how our book Just One More helps, with a few small ideas to try tonight.
Bedtime
Why bedtime is hard
Young children stall at bedtime for good reasons: the day was fun, the grown-ups are close, and sleep means saying goodbye to all of it.
A routine that lets your child do the steps, rather than have them done to them, gives back a little control and makes the end of the day feel less sudden.
Small things to try tonight
- 1
Same steps, same order
A short, predictable sequence (bath, pyjamas, teeth, book, lights) tells your child what comes next.
- 2
Let them lead one step
Choosing the book, switching off the lamp or saying goodnight to the toys, like Pip does, turns bedtime into something they do.
- 3
Plan the “one more”
Build one last request into the routine, such as one more hug, so it is part of the plan rather than a negotiation.
- 4
Finish with a calm story
A short book read in a quiet voice is a clear, gentle signal that the day is done.
What helps with bedtime
Good to know
Questions parents ask
How can I stop my 3 year old from stalling at bedtime?+
Most stalling comes from not wanting the day to end. Keep the routine short and predictable, give your child a job in it, and plan one last request in advance. Just One More shows this through Pip’s goodnight round for his toys.
What is a good bedtime book for a 3 to 5 year old?+
Look for a short story that takes less than five minutes, has a calm ending and gives your child something to join in with. Just One More is about 200 words and 24 pages, and ends with Pip settling to sleep after saying goodnight to every toy.
How long should a bedtime routine be for a preschooler?+
Many families find that 20 to 30 minutes works well: long enough to wind down, short enough to stay predictable. The order of the steps matters more than the exact time.
