How to Avoid Going to Bed

Hi guys. Hudson here. Even though I'm only 3, I'm an expert in a lot of areas. Avoiding bedtime is one of them. So kids, gather around. Here are some of my best tips on how to stall bedtime.

Sure, we've all tried the following:

I need a drink.

I'm scared of the dark.

One more story.

I need to use the bathroom.

But now I urge you to think outside of the box...get a little creative. The more creative the better; pretty soon those parents of yours won't stand a chance.

So here we go. After your parent(s) officially tuck you in, listen closely for their footsteps to retreat down the hall. When you're certain they're gone, tiptoe quietly out of bed. Scan every corner and crevice of your bedroom for spiders or any bug-like creature. Don't forget to check the ceiling. If you find something, Score! You've just earned yourself a trip downstairs.

After the intruding pest has been taken care of, then it's time to move onto the "sweet and sentimental" attack. Go back downstairs, tilt your head sweetly to the side and say, "Mom, I just wanted to check on you." Then give her a hug and kiss. She'll probably tell you to go back to bed with a big smile on her face as you've just succeeded in melting her heart. Next, take her a present. I usually take one of my favorite stuffed animals. Go downstairs and say, "Mom, I want you to have Teddy." Again, she'll be putty in your hands. She may start getting frustrated by this point, so it's a good idea to back off for a while. Try reading some books, or plotting your next approach.

My most recent success (pictured above) was when I found some drawing paper and pencils that Mom had so carelessly left in my room. I made a lovely portrait of Teddy, a growth chart for my sister, and I even spelled my name. Mom loves it when I write my name...so I knew I'd get her with this one.

That's just scratching the surface of my avoiding bedtime knowledge. But it should at least get your creative juices flowing. And if you use all these approaches in one night, you've easily earned yourself a full hour of awake-time. Don't hesitate to email me with questions or suggestions. I'll be here all week, folks.

P.S. The day before my sister was born, I came up with the newest in my arsenal. Sneak to the office, grab a permanent marker. (Permanent being the operative word here) And draw your very best picture ever on the back of your bedroom door. Priceless.