So, 4 year old is crying outside his room and refusing to go to bed because 5 year old hasn't cuddled him properly

[FabBakerGirlIsBack]

Every night there is something and he won't just go to bed and stay there.

[juuule]

Awww.

Won't the 5yo come and give him a proper cuddle?

[eandh]

dd1 is the master of the delaying tatic although fingers crossed she is so exhausted today that she hasnt come downstairs since 7pm hope he settles soon

[FabBakerGirlIsBack]

No, she doesn't want too.

Just went up and they have argued over a stuffed duck and ripped its wing off.

Just been up, put them back to bed and told them I don't want to see them again tonight.

[NorbertDentressangle]

Seems to be the age for delaying bedtime.

Delaying tactic of the moment for DS (5) is "I'm thirsty. Can I have a drink". Every night, no matter how recently hes had a drink or how much hes had through the day.

[FabBakerGirlIsBack]

Ours always needs a drink at the last minute too.

He used to be a dream to put to bed.

[juuule]

What if you offered a bed-time story if they lie down and close their eyes?

[brimfull]

put your foot down
get angry

it will only esclalate ime

[FabBakerGirlIsBack]

I read him two stories.

We used to read to them every night but it all gets so hectic with so many kids and then 2 of them can read to themselves.

He has a sticker chart and he gets a sticker if he stays in bed but it doesn't seem to be worth it for him.

[FabBakerGirlIsBack]

Getting angry doesn't work in this situation.

[juuule]

Did you tell him he had to lie down and close his eyes for the story? That worked most of the time with ours.

Even our children who could read still enjoyed being read to.

What do you mean by hectic with so many children? We just wait until things settle and then it's time for the story. No story until they're settled. Older children who don't want to listen have to get out of the way.