So naughty at bedtimes

[sparklingchampagne]

DD is 5 and a half (years that it, not months!)
We have a bedtime routine and always have: bath, supper, cuddles and stories, bed.
She is perfectly fine, until we say night night and close the bedroom door.
Then she gets up constantly and comes downstairs - it's one excuse after another - I'm hot, I'm cold, I can't sleep etc etc.
We have tried letting her have stories on CD - she gets out of bed and starts racing around the room, climbs on top of the shelves and turns the volume up.
We've tried the rapid return and ignoring, but she just screams at us through the door.
She bangs and crashes in her room (we've got an old house, and I am honestly worried about the floors/ceilings)
We've had blackout blinds, lights out, nightlights - still the same.
We've tried reward charts - she's not bothered.
I am stuck. Whats worse in when her halfsister comes to stay they have to sleep in the same room, and her halfsister is starting to say she doesn't want to stay over, because DD gets into bed with her,jumps on her etc.
I have to say that apart from this DD is a delight, can take her anywhere - she's well mannered, well behaved, has boundaries for everything and is lovely - so what's happening!!

Any suggestions - I am stuck!

Is she tired in the day?

With the half-sister problem, could you put one child to bed in your room until they are both asleep, then carry through?

Sorry no idea with the other issue, except to ask her - Why do you keep getting out of bed? Also pre-empt all of her complaints e.g. in case you are thirsty here's a drink of water, if you need a wee here's a potty, although insisting she tries before bed should be sufficient, unless she's up for hours (if this is a common excuse can you rule out a UTI?) make sure she can reach a spare blanket so no hot/cold excuse. If she's bored or can't sleep she can listen to story tape etc.

Might she be frightened perhaps? This is not one to ask directly as it could just give her a new excuse!

only thought i have is maybe it's too early - is she tired enough? I'm no expert - with 3 dd we've had our fair share of bedtime problems. could she pick the story if she promises to behave and then next day not if she doesn't? good luck

Thanks all.
We do put SD in our room until they are both asleep, but sometimes when SD goes back in DD will wake up, and then it all starts again, which means me and DH can't go to bed as we only have two bedrooms!
We do try to pre empt everything bu she still comes out and ask for things. Rewards wise - she loves getting rewards, but it's like she can't help herself once it's bedtime!
All quiet now.. .

I'd try sitting down with her in the day, and explain that it's causing you a problem. Ask her for her ideas for what she/you could do to make bedtimes better. Make a list of anything she says without evaluating them until after you've got a list of suggestions. (That's a technique from How to Talk so Kids Will Listen, which I'd really recommend reading.)

I have trouble with my DD (nearly 4) getting up if she is not tired enough. Usually days when she had a short nap in the car or we've been in all day. She shares a room with DS (5) and he is not bothered by her, but I can tell he looks more ready for bed and falls asleep quick. I put on stories/music too. Best thing I found is exercise before/after tea. If poss go outside for runabout/games/walk and if not try dancing (we use YouTube), kids dvds or cds or musical statues/bumps, its fun and gets rid of some energy. It has helped me and its fun too!