Babysitting the Neighbours' Kids: Bedtime Battles

Hi! Thanks so much for doing this tonight.

No problem! I've been looking forward to it, actually.

Okay, quick rules. Bedtime is eight o'clock, no exceptions.

And if they ask for ice cream, the answer is no.

Got it. Eight o'clock, no ice cream. Easy!

Ha, you haven't met them at bedtime yet.

Okay, guys, it's eight o'clock. Time for bed!

What? Your mom always lets you stay up until nine?

Hmm, I'm not sure that's true...

Um, hey... sorry to call. Is this a bad time?

Not at all. Oh no, what's happened?

Nothing bad! It's just... they won't go to sleep.

It's half past eight, and they're still jumping on the sofa.

Seriously? Did they tell you they can stay up late?

Yes! They said you always let them stay up until nine.

Ha! Nice try. That has never been true.

So what should I do? I've tried asking nicely.

Okay, here's a trick. Turn it into a game.

Tell them it's a race to get into bed.

Whoever gets into bed first chooses the bedtime story.

Oh, that's clever! I'll try it right now.

Okay, listen up! We're having a race!

If you get into bed first, you choose the story!

Ready, set... go! Wow, look at you two run!

Right, let's see. Once upon a time...

Wait, are you both asleep already? Really?

I haven't even finished the first sentence!

Wow, it's so quiet! Are they really asleep?

Yep, since quarter to nine. Your trick worked perfectly.

Oh, I'm so relieved. Did they get any ice cream?

Well... they asked, of course. Three times!

And? Please tell me you said no.

Don't worry, I said no. I just had some myself!

Ha! Okay, you can definitely come back next week.

Deal! But next time, I'm bringing my own ice cream.