DD won't go to bed!!!

[Medulla]

DD 3 started pre- school about 6 weeks ago. Up until this point she has gone to bed with no problems, asleep within a couple of minutes. I am so surprised that since she has started pre school she doesn't go to sleep, keeps getting up saying she's not tired! I really thought she would be even more tired and I would have to put her to bed earlier. Thought that maybe she was overtired and tried letting her have a nap in the early afternoon but that makes bedtime even later. Help - not sure what to do. She really loves school so I don't think it's to do with anxieties there.

when she gets up saying she's not tired .. say firmly and quietly 'go to bed'

keep returning her to bed every single time with minimum fuss

I think its more to do with not wanting to miss out on any fun

but as her mother you know that she needs to sleep to be happy .. stand firm in your knowledge that she needs to sleep and put her back to bed .. do not give her a choice to get up

oh and don't overthink it .. she's not upset or cross or anything .. she's acting like a 3 year old and trying to push boundaries

if you stay firm it'll be over and done within a week .. if you start thinking 'maybe she's not tired, maybe she should get up' you'll be doing this in 2 years time too

Thanks Twig, we have been trying this approach and I'm sure if we keep going we'll get there but at the moment it seems endless - no improvement.