This post has been sponsored by Disney Book Group. All content and opinions remain my own. #SleepyTheGoodnightBuddy
My kids before bedtime need: a drink of water, a second, third, and fourth blanket, 2 bedtime stories, a trip to the bathroom, more blankets, a song, and basically just to know they’ve used up every last ounce of patience I have. Sound familiar? I’ve been experimenting with ways to win the bedtime battle, and I have found the secret!
Ready for it? The secret is: Let them think they’re winning. No, no, I mean it! Be spontaneous. If they’re bouncing off the walls after their bath, begging to have a sleepover in each other’s rooms, suggest a group bedtime story. Up the ante by telling them you can go read it outside! Now you’ve got them. Once they think they’re pulling the strings, pull out a book that is sure to catch their attention.
Lately for us, it’s been Sleepy, the Goodnight Buddy, by Drew Daywalt and Illustrated by Scott Campbell. You might know Drew as the bestselling author of The Day The Crayons Quit!
Peyton likes to read along with me when we do bedtime stories these days, so that is a great way to keep her engaged. Adaline is at that age where she is in and out of stories, but if Peyton and London are into it, then she will be too. Sleepy, the Goodnight Buddy is a story about a little boy named Roderick, who really does not want to go to bed. He, like my girls, just loves to think of ways to postpone going to bed. His parents give him a cute little stuffed animal to help him wind down… but the tables turn when Sleepy turns out to be VERY high-maintenance. And worse? Sleepy never blinks – no matter where Sleepy is, Roderick can always feel Sleepy looking at him!
Let me tell you, this book is hilarious. We giggle the whole way through the story, and when we finish, the girls don’t put up a fight for bedtime.
I have found that establishing a routine is the most helpful trick to getting the girls to go to bed. We do baths, a little bit of playtime, water, brush teeth, and then read. Keeping it consistent, helps your kids know bedtime is coming. Reading silly books together keeps our routine fun.
What is your best bedtime trick to get the most reluctant sleeper to bed?
The day th crayons quit is a favorite in our house! I didn’t know the author had a new book out, so obviously we need it!
Oh, thats a major favorite over here too. This one is SO silly, Peyton can’t read it with a straight face!!
Haha sounds like this book is one of those “be careful what you wish for” types! Haha good ammo for mom and dad 😉
haha you are 100% correct!
That is the cutest book! And totally agree. A solid routine is key!
Yes! Keeps them knowing what’s coming next. And when in doubt, use this book as a solid back-up plan 😉