How to Handle the Classic 'Just One More Story!' at Bedtime Without Losing Your Mind

Why bedtime turns into curtain call (again)

It's late. You're tired. The dishes are still in the sink, tomorrow’s lunch isn’t packed, and you’ve already read two stories. Yet there it is again — that familiar plea rising from under the duvet: “Just one more story! Pleeease?”

For many parents of kids aged 6 to 12, bedtime becomes a drawn-out encore performance. While the request can feel like emotional manipulation when you’re running on fumes, this nightly ritual holds deep emotional meaning for many children—especially those grappling with school stress, learning difficulties, or big feelings they haven’t yet unpacked.

So how do you navigate the tightrope: maintaining a reliable bedtime routine while honoring your child’s genuine need for connection?

The story behind “Just one more…”

There’s usually more going on beneath the surface than a child simply stalling bedtime. Stories are safe spaces—soft landings after tough days. For school-age children who’ve been managing hours of effort, stress, or frustration with schoolwork, bedtime stories are a time to reconnect, reset, and feel secure. That’s why the ritual still matters deeply even as kids grow older.

For children with learning differences—such as dyslexia or ADHD—listening to stories rather than reading them can feel especially comforting. It’s a way to access the magic of storytelling without the weight of decoding text. (In fact, listening has proven benefits for children with dyslexia.)

But of course, you can empathize with your child and still need some boundaries. The key lies in understanding, routine, and evolution as your child grows.

Building a bedtime rhythm that works for both of you

A consistent ritual can do wonders. Children thrive on knowing what to expect, especially when the world of school may feel unpredictable or overwhelming. But consistency doesn’t mean it has to be rigid. Here's a framework that offers both structure and flexibility.

• Create a predictable flow: Start winding down 30–45 minutes before lights out: bath, teeth, pajamas, and then story time. When your child knows exactly what steps happen when, it becomes easier to accept when it’s time for the last story.
• Define the limit early: Rather than negotiating in fatigue after two stories, say upfront: “We have time for one story tonight—and we can pick it together.” Kids may push limits, but they feel safer with boundaries.
• Offer choice within the limit: Let your child choose the book, the reader (you, them, or another caregiver), or even the format. Audiobooks can be helpful here, giving them independence while maintaining the story experience.
• Use stories as signals: Some parents introduce a “bedtime series”—one chapter or episode per night. This turns each installment into a ritualized endpoint, reducing the desire for more because they know it will continue tomorrow.

Audiobooks: your secret bedtime ally

If your child is craving more story time than your energy can allow, audiobooks can be a loving compromise. They give your child rich storytelling experiences while signaling the end of your role in the bedtime routine—without cutting them off emotionally.

Apps like LISN Kids can support your child’s evening ritual even after the lights go off. LISN Kids offers a wide range of original audio series and audiobooks designed specifically for ages 3 to 12—from silly to soothing. It's available on iOS and Android, so kids can enjoy independent listening as part of their wind-down.

And because stories feel different when played aloud (especially at night), they keep kids emotionally engaged without over-stimulating. Looking for more on the difference between read-alouds and audio stories? You might enjoy this deep dive: Audio stories vs. Read-Alouds: Which Is Best for Your Child?

Sometimes the story isn’t the story

Occasionally, that request for “just one more” is an emotional cue: there’s something your child isn’t ready to let go of—be it anxiety about a test, a conflict with a friend, or frustration with homework. Telling you they want another story is easier than saying, “I’m worried I’ll fail math again tomorrow.”

That’s where bedtime can transition from storytelling to story-sharing. Some families build a cozy reflection ritual into the night. You might:

• Ask, “What was the best part of your day? What was the hardest?”
• Talk about something you struggled with as a kid—and how you got through it
• Share a favorite childhood memory—letting them know you once had bad days too

If nightly reflection is hard to incorporate, consider carving out time after school instead. Here’s a guide that can help you build a simple after-school ritual that sets a calming tone for the evening ahead.

Letting go of guilt, holding onto story

You’re not a bad parent for saying no to another book at 9:30pm. In fact, you’re modeling boundaries, trust, and rest—all essential lessons. By offering consistent rituals, meaningful choices, and emotional connection, you’ll help your child feel heard without needing to push for more.

And if you’re still navigating a child who resists reading altogether, bedtime can actually be an entry point into the world of stories. Here’s how others have found success: Helping Kids Who Hate Reading Develop a Love for Books.

In the end, “one more story” isn’t just a delay tactic. It’s a small hand reaching for connection, comfort, and continuity. Offer it wisely—and your bedtime routine may turn from battle to bond.