How do handle DS7 at bedtime

[londongirl12]

DS7 has started to be a pain at bedtimes! He’ll have a shower and then chill in his room. But every 10 mins I then get:
mum, I’m drawing a picture and it’s not going right
mum, I need a drink
mum, can I come and give you a hug?
mum, why are penguins black and white?
you get the idea….

when he goes to bed, this is the only time me and DH get to spend together, and it’s driving us crazy. I tell DS this is the last hug/word etc, but then he still stands at the top of the stairs talking. Tried to be firm but that’s not working either. Any advice on how to tackle this would be appreciated!

start with explaining at DS’ dinner time that after he is in bed its time for you and DH to talk and you dont want to be interrupted as you havent seen each other all day and you have missed DH. Then if he starts calling out

Don't answer him.

If he comes down stairs take him straight back up without talking

You can just tell him no, it’s bedtime and march him back to bed. How early are you doing this though? Mine is very good about playing independently in her room but if I sent her up before 8pm we’d probably have silliness like this as she just wouldn’t be tired enough to chill.

By the time he’s had a shower, it’s around 8-830. He’d be fine in his room reading etc, but he just finds any excuse to talk to us! We need to be tougher with him and not answer him.