Advanced Stalling Techniques

Brandon was, and still is, an expert staller. You know, when it's time to go to bed and he needs one more drink, one more story, one more deep philosophical question like, "What happens if I don't wake up?" or "Is God real?"

We dealt with Brandon this way: give in once. He can have a drink. But after that, no more. Soon, he was going to bed without any complaints. Or philosophical questions. (He saves those for more inopportune times, like just before he gets out of the car to go into school.)

Matthew has followed in his brother's footsteps: I need a drink. One more story. Either Chris or I end up laying down with him until he falls asleep. But last night and tonight, he has excelled at stalling by leaps and bounds.

Last night: I put Matthew in the bed, kissed and hugged him and covered him up. He started to cry, but it was getting late and he really needed to go to sleep. I told him that it was time for bed and he needed to lay down and go to sleep. I left the room, but stood outside for a minute. The sobbing was so sad. Very pitiful, indeed. I really wanted to scoop him up and rock him to sleep, but that hasn't worked since he was 6 months old. I went downstairs and informed Chris that Matthew was upset, and he went up to check on him. I followed just a minute later and heard Chris talking to Matthew. I stepped in the room and Chris said, "Tell Mama what you told me -- why Mama won't lay down with you." And Matthew said, "Because she doesn't love me." Sooo sad. Chris and I both laid down with him until he fell asleep.

Tonight: Same scenario: I put Matthew in the bed, kiss him, hug him. He cries. I tell him it's time to go to sleep, then I left the room. After a few minutes, I didn't hear him crying anymore. Frightened that he's found some way to open an upstairs window and escape or is playing with electricity, I checked on him. He's awake, but laying quietly in the bed. A few minutes later, I send Chris upstairs to check on him. He's still awake, but laying quietly in the bed.

It's a standoff. He is determined to outlast us, but I think we'll eventually win.