>> KEEPING KIDS IN BED UNTIL MORNING

As you tiptoe out of your preschooler’s bedroom after three bedtime stories, four hugs, two requests for water and two unnecessary visits to the bathroom, you hear a faint voice say, “Mommy, read the moon book.” What do you do?

My favorite recommendation is to place a large clock with minute and second hands (illuminated or with a night light near the clock) in your child’s bedroom. One that ticks is especially good. When your child stretches the bedtime routine to the extreme, explain that there will be no more stories or glasses of water, but you’ll check on her in five minutes. Tell her to watch the second hand of the clock go around until the big hand is on a certain number. That’s when you’ll come back. After five minutes, return for about 20 seconds; give her a pat on the back and a quick kiss. Tell her you’ll be back in 10 minutes. Then 15 minutes. The clock will mesmerize most kids into sweet slumber within five or 10 minutes.

Other strategies include giving a child one “Get out of bed” ticket that can be redeemed after the bedtime routine, or rewarding a child with a sticker in the morning for not getting out of bed. A certain number of stickers will earn a small prize.