For the Child Who Starts Talking the Second the Light Goes Off

Four lines you can say out loud tonight. Word for word. Free to save.

What to say

1. Lights out is at eight. Talking time is before that, not after.

2. Everything you forgot to say all day shows up right when the light goes off.

3. Ten minutes on the edge of your bed, and I ask you one question about the day.

4. Whatever is left goes on the fridge note and we do it at breakfast.

When to use it

This is for the moment it actually goes wrong — not the calm version you rehearse in the car. Pick one line. Say it once. Then stop talking and wait three seconds. If they push back, repeat the same line, not a new one. Say the same thing for five nights before you decide it doesn't work.