Bedtime is a ritual - sometimes Daddy wins, sometimes Ben wins, sometimes it's a draw. Below is the typical Bed Time Routine:

Dinner

Daddy announces time for bath and goes up to turn water on and returns

Daddy and Ben go upstairs for bath

Ben Gets out of bath and is toweled off

Ben wears his towel draped around his neck to go downstairs

Ben does his "Naked Monkey" jumping around downstairs

Additional Berries or other snack if Ben still hungry [Optional]

Ben says Night Night to mommy, Alex and any house visitors

Brush Ben's Teeth and put on PJs

Sit in Rocking Chair and read books - typically 2 - one long, one short. A favorite combination is a story from the Big Curios George Book and Every Friday, which was a book that Daddy got for his birthday

Turn out lights, Daddy carries Ben to light switch, Ben gets to turn it out. If Ben refuses Daddy does it for him, which is followed by a big complaint, at which Daddy will turn light back on and give Ben another chance. Repeat, no more than twice.

Return to Rocking chair for songs and/or stories. Typical playlist includes: Twinkle Twinkle, a few Bob Dylan Lyrics, and a free form verion of U2's All I Want is You. Other favorites are "Recapping the Day" or "Little Boy" stories, with the protagonist clearly being Ben

Daddy puts Ben in bed, puts blanket on and says goodnight. Daddy Exits.

20 secs elapse

Ben opens door. Daddy says "Back to bed ben", follows him in, reapplies blanket and says "Night Night Ben, stay in your bed"


20 secs elapse

Ben opens door. Daddy says "Back to bed ben", follows him in, reapplies blanket and says "Night Night Ben, stay in your bed - this is your final warning"


20 secs elapse

Ben opens door. Daddy says "Back to bed ben", follows him in, reapplies blanket and says "Night Night Ben, stay in your bed - I am going to lock the door now." The recent additional comment "I'll unlock it later after you fall asleep" has been made to make everyone feel better ;)


All quiet...hopefully. Occassionaly there will be calls to go to the bathroom (which are always granted and usually warranted). There will be one more warning cycle before the door is re-locked if needed.