How to Prolong Bedtime

Zoe has become the master of prolonging bedtime. If you're looking for tips, here are some of her favorites:

• When you are told to go up to bed be sure to leave something crucial behind like your beloved stuffed animal Eeeyore thus necessitating a return trip downstairs for retrieval.
• Sit on the toilet without actually going until a parent comes upstairs.
• Use much more shampoo than is necessary thus necessitating lots and lots of rinsing.
• Spend at least 5 minutes brushing your hair and staring in the mirror while making crazy faces. Longer if parent is not watching.
  
• Agonize over what pajamas to wear.
• Agonize over what clothes to wear tomorrow.
  
• Agonize over what book to read.
• Develop sudden case of OCD in regards to specific placement of stuffed animals, blankets or pillows on the bed.
• Suddenly remember that you have not kissed other parent good night.
• Ask a lot of questions about random things.
• Tell a story about how someone hurt your feelings that day.
  
• Ask to be tucked in.
• Ask for a back rub.
• Ask for a drink.
• Ask for a hug.
• Ask for a kiss.
  
• Say you suddenly don't feel well. Your stomach, head, or knee hurts. Be sure to vary the source of the pain.

She regularly employs 3 to 5 of these techniques on any given night.