story time

As part of our new bedtime routine we read a story to them before they are put in their cribs. When it is time to put them down my DS does not want to close the book that we are reading and it normally ends with him crying. How do you finish story time without upsetting your kids? I tell him it is now sleepy time and to say good night to the book as the book has to go to sleep too.

 

I think you are doing the right thing telling him the book has to go to sleep too. I would also, before the story, tell them "Okay, we are reading 1 book before sleep and then the book has to go sleep too.." read the book and then say again what you usually say. It might take him several tries before he calms down but I think if you keep it up, he will get past it. Good luck!

 

We always let them "read" us the book. It took about 5 extra mins and they just wanted to go back to their favorite part anyways.

 

If the book has any length to it, it may also help to give a count down. For example, "6 pages to go and then we're going to bed", "3 pages to go and then we're going to bed", etc. I found this helped with my daughter when she would have bedtime meltdowns. It's a constant reminder to her of what's coming next.

 

:thanks: I am going to try these.

 

I give them board books in the bed. They love it.