What Cory said.
When mine were toddlers, there were times to humour, times to josh, times to negotiate a wee bit - but at the end of the day, there were times to pull rank, and say - I am mummy, and this is how it goes.. I didn't always get it right.. sometimes I negotiated a bit too long, sometimes I was too heavy handed- but at the end of the day when I told them what was going to happen - in no uncertain tones - they went along with it without further protest. Mostly.
I remember when ds1 was 3, when I announced it was time for bed, he was perplexed, and told me it wasn't bedtime cos it was still light outside - we had a discussion on what the clock said, the effects of british summer time on sunlight, and his need for sleep etc. He digested this for a few seconds, sensed he was fighting a losing logical battle - and then this small voice said - I honestly swear to God - he said ...
" Yes, well - it's all very academic isn't it, cos I'm not going to bed yet!"
Inside I was just dying with laughter :o
I said "Well, I'm your mummy - I've told you why it's time for bed, and now you are going! whether it's academic or not! Now - up the stairs!"
Jesus!
There were times for discussion, and times when what I said went..
He's nearly 15 now - he's a lovely young man, respectful, bright, mature, easygoing, humorous etc, and I always try to listen to what he says, and take on board where he's coming from, and try to negotiate - but although I have to do it rarely, I still occasionally have to pull rank, when I say " I know we've discussed this, but I'm not happy about it, and this is what's happening.... "
OP - you made me laugh - cos am sure I've had my bluff called before now :o
As a parent, I've spent so much time thinking on my feet...