Bedtime stalling

They keep finding one more thing. You're tired and done.

Try saying

“You don't want the day to end. I get it.” Third request for water at 9pm
“One more hug, then I'm going to leave. I'll check on you in five minutes.” Third request for water at 9pm
“I love you. Goodnight.” Third request for water at 9pm

For each age

School (5–12)

“I see you're not ready. Sleep doesn't need you to be ready.”
“Lights off in two minutes. I'll be back to check.”
“Tomorrow's a new day. I love you.”

Returning briefly is the cheat code. It satisfies the connection without restarting the stall.

Preschool (3–5)

“You don't want the day to end. I get it.”
“One more hug, then I'm going to leave. I'll check on you in five minutes.”
“I love you. Goodnight.”

Naming the real feeling (not wanting the day to end) often deflates the stalling faster than firmness.