3 going on 33!

[pack]

Has anyone got any tips on how to stop my three-year-old daughter turning every request into a battle of wills? She is very stubbon and even the simplest request like getting her coat or shoes on is met with resistance. Going to bed is proving to be the biggest battleground - it can take almost an hour before she gives in and goes to sleep (there's not a peep put of her till the morning). She used to be great but now she finds every way possible to stall - something to drink, another kiss, story, needs toilet etc. Her dad and I are finding these constant battles exhausting.

lol sorry I know it's not funny, but I have the same battles with my ds who turned 3 in July. Small person HUGE attitude as I put it. I tend to ignore the battles to be honest and let him stop and shout. If bedtimes a battle I walk away and go and sit downstairs he more often than not comes down and will talk to me and then falls asleep. Used to shout, time out but nothing worked - just stressed me and him. So now this laid back approach produces far less stress and as he doesn't get a reaction so much it stops far sooner. It's really hard though and I really sympathise with you. Have you tried leaving her in her room with a book/toy and the light on and saying bedtime means stay in your room but you can read/play and we'll put the light off later. It works for well enough here. Just try not to react easier said than done. Walking away and ignoring the behavious normally calms them down and ds2 always comes running for a cuddle - his way of making up. Good luck it does get better honestly I've got ds1 to prove that.