For When You Are Too Tired to Do Bedtime Well

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

What to say

1. Short bedtime tonight. Teeth, pajamas, one page, light off.

2. This part is hard for both of us. I’m tired and you can hear it in my voice.

3. Seven minutes, start to door. No song tonight and no back rub.

4. The goodnight stays. That part I don’t skip, even on the bad nights.

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.