📚One more story…📚
We have all been there. We have a lovely bedtime routine, say it’s time to sleep and suddenly they want to read another story. You think ‘that’s sweet. I really want to encourage their love of reading’ (that’s the teacher in me!) so we say ok, read another story and try again with bedtime attempt number 2.
But then the same thing happens! You end up in a cycle of reading every single book and the bedtime battles begin!
Your child asking for more and more stories is often less about the stories themselves and more about wanting to delay bedtime or enjoy more one-on-one time with you.
What do I suggest you do?
1. Set a consistent limit
Choose a specific number of stories (e.g., 2) for story time. Tell your child the limit in advance and stick to it.
2. Use a visual timer
You can use:
* A sand timer (5-10 minutes).
* A special “story stone” or token system (e.g., two tokens = two stories, and once they’re used, storytime is over).
3. Offer choices
Let them choose the books:
“You can pick two stories tonight—any two you want!” – we have 6 out and they can choose one each.
4. Stay calm but firm
When your child asks for another story:
“I know you want more, but we already read our two stories. We can read more tomorrow.”
Avoid giving in sometimes, because that teaches them persistence gets rewarded. Be kind but consistent.
5. Build in extra connection elsewhere
If the story requests are partly about getting more time with you, try adding a short chat or cuddle time after stories:
“After our stories, we can have one minute of whisper talk before lights out.”
This reassures them that they still get closeness even without more books.
If they throw a tantrum or beg:
* Stay calm.
* Acknowledge the feeling: “You really wish we could read more. I get it—it’s hard to stop when you’re having fun.”
* Stick to the boundary: “But now it’s time to sleep.”
I promise that consistency is key here.
You’ve got this!
