[berettafan]

The phasing out of naptime was tough for us as well (my little guy turned 4 recently) and the toughest part was the last hour or so before bedtime. You'd think they'd be ready for sleep but the effect is the opposite for whatever reason.

We too had 3 stories, 4 songs, then bedtime. It has evolved to 1 or 2 stories (they have gotten longer in some instances), generally no songs and me laying on the floor next to his bed for about 10 minutes. I don't really mind it because i can use the time to plan my projects out. For instance last night i was working through the parts i need for my beemer project. a few nights before i was trying to solve my fuel supply issue on the 911.

it's good quiet time for me and i actually enjoy it.

several of our friends have similar aged kids that sleep in their beds. we, thankfully, haven't had that issue because it was never much of an option that we allowed. story time is in mommy and daddy's bed but believe it or not he asks to go to his bed almost immediately after the story!

do you have one of those aquarium thingy's in his room? we have used one since our son was born and turn it on every night when he goes to bed. sometimes if he's still awake and the aquarium times off he'll call out 'more fishies please!'. i love it!