Dd has started running away at bedtime

[Somethingokonnetflixforonce]

Very recent thing, Dd is 5.5 so not little little, now when it’s time for bed, she’ll run out into the garden, deliberately start going on her bike or the trampoline and ignoring me. She gets very giddy and uncontrollable and I end up
losing my temper.
Anyone else’s child do this and how do you cope with it? Tired of getting cross every night

Every time she runs away, the following night her bedtime is 5 mins earlier?

Age 5 I'd get angry. This is not a fun game.

Agree re consequences but immediate ones re no story short bath etc

I'd try heading out for a designated run around/bounce on the trampoline half an hour before the normal bedtime routine and see if that helps.

We use this one

Jolik Improved door locks for children(2 Pack) child locks for door & Handles 3M VHB Adhesive - No Drill, No Screw https://amzn.eu/d/73mB0C0

Without fail even if my 5 year old is having a complete meltdown if I say...

I'm going to win ...

She will run up the stairs to beat me to bed.

So I would recommend making it a competition to who can get to the bathroom to brush teeth first? Then they choose story or something. I don't think I can ever say when it hasn't worked!

But also this

Why is it unsafe? Lost!

She needs consequences, she runs outside she loses something ie down to one story or a much shorter bath etc. She is 5 she knows what she is doing. Tell her in advance what will happen if she runs off at bedtime.

Also definitely get something that locks that patio door properly. She should be asking permission to be outside, it is dangerous to just let her decide herself when she is going out without permission of a parent.

We do this. Race Daddy to bed, teeth brushing contests against animals on Google. If she plays up she loses a book but she always has the chance to earn it back.

We need pics of this key-less door!

don't be soft. Shut the door and be firm. Make it so that she can't open it.

That's classic over tiredness so I would highly recommend earlier bed time.

Magical isn't it. Never heard of a keyless patio door.

It’s just a latch type door. They’re quite common. We had one.

Lock it and remove the keys then.

There aren’t any keys.

RTFT. No keys apparently.

Which room is the patio door? Kitchen? Get a lock for that door. Make it clear you are in control.

Shes probably getting a lot of attention from you doing this. Make it more boring & make sure she gets more attention from you doing as she's told.

Start bedtime earlier to allow for her to prat about a bit without it getting too late.

To be honest though, mine does this when she's overtired and hyped up on adrenalin.

Or get a bolt and add it to the door at the top.

Can't you build in 30 minute of garden play before bed, and then start the routine 15 minutes earlier to allow for and dragging of feet?

We have a high up, child lock, sliding door stop thing on ours. Might be worth looking into.

Next time she runs out, pull the curtains and ignore her, she'll soon come in.

Our patio door has a thumb lock but if a small child started messing would also acquire a high bolt. I'm rarely angry though but very strict re bed times so have never had a child who thought bed time was time for games

Put her to bed and run away before she does.