At what age did bedtime finally become... easy?

[cloudy23]

Every evening seems to become a negotiation. One more drink, one more cuddle, one more story, one more trip to the toilet...
Does it ever just become "Goodnight" and they're asleep?!
I'd love to hear what bedtime is like in your house and whether it genuinely gets easier.

I’m praying that it gets easier, honestly it is such a struggle

Admit it… you drugged them or gave them baileys instead of milk as a bedtime drink didn’t you? 😆

I went through a period of being alone a lot with two young children, whilst bereaved. I just didn't have the mental capacity for an extended bedtime. I was exhausted. So I went to bed at their bedtime. I'd say it was bedtime and start to get myself ready. Explained that when the clock looked like 'x' mummy was going to bed and wouldn't be available for stories and help getting dressed etc. The first night or two I sat in bed and read whilst they played until eventually someone noticed. It only took a few days for them to see me going upstairs and follow suit.

I got into the habit of making sure the kitchen was clean and house slightly reset etc before I went upstairs. Invited them to help so we were doing something together, even if it was stacking the dishwasher.

I don't go to bed with them anymore but that time seems to have laid some good foundations. We reset the house together after dinner, set a visual timer and if they're ready before that goes off they get an additional story or chapter or more independent reading time.

Works for us!