I’ve never been someone who made up stories for my kids. I always kind of envied those moms, the ones who could string together a narrative that went on and on for days, about a dog or a prince or a space alien. That’s not to say that stories aren’t an important part of our bedtime ritual, just not stories I hatch in my own head. Wade reads with the boys before bed, every night (currently: Brian Jacques’ Redwall), and then after the boys are in bed, I snuggle in with each of them and talk about what they did today or what they’re doing tomorrow. After the tucking in is over, there’s more reading, under the covers, with their headlamps on. Geeks.

I love that last conversation with the boys, when they’re all showered and pajama-ed and tucked into their beds. Often, they want to show me what they’re reading, or tell me about their book, but some nights, they just want to talk. Those few minutes before sleep are often the window when they open up about the things that are on their minds. This week, we’ve talked about how to deal with the mean kid at school and where people go when they die.

You know, the easy things.

Death and bullies are tough things to discuss with your kids, especially at the end of a long day. In that moment, when the lights are out and we’re all warm and tired, I just want to protect my boys, but that’s the perfect time to remind them that being brave and kind and confident are important life skills.

Sometimes, it can help to tell them a story.

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Last year, I worked with GoodNites on their Special Bedtime Moments campaign; this year, I’m getting to work with them again, to promote a new — and super cool — program they’re sponsoring. GoodNites has created Bedtime Theater, an ongoing story about a boy named Iggy and his Wiggy Bed; the stories follow Iggy as he learns to stand up for himself, make friends, and explore the world around him. The best part is that I got to write one installment of the Iggy story, along with some other super fantastic bloggers. Trust me — you totally want to read our masterpiece.

Feeling inspired yourself? Write your own Iggy story and enter to win $2,500. No I’m not kidding! Do it today.

In the meantime, I’m giving away this awesome bag of bedtime goodies, compliments of the nice people at GoodNites. What’s in the bag? An iPod shuffle, a pair of Logitech speakers,  a $25 iTunes gift card, and a super soft cuddle blanket. And it all comes packed in a reusable Patagonia bag, so you can take it on the road with you, or send it to Nana’s for sleepovers.

How can you enter? Just leave a comment on this post telling me what your favorite childhood bedtime story was. SO easy! Best part? The GoodNites people are providing three of these great kits for Friday Playdate readers, so enter early and often! First giveaway will be Friday.

And don’t forget to check out the Iggy stories. They’re a nice way to end the day with your little ones.

Disclaimer: I have partnered with GoodNites® for this series of posts and giveaways; I am being compensated for my participation in the Bedtime Theater program and for hosting these giveaways, not for promoting a product. Just so we’re all clear.