Bedtime has become a total battle lately

My 5-year-old used to be a pretty good sleeper, but lately bedtime has turned into a nightly struggle. We've tried sticking to the same routine - bath, story, lights out - but she suddenly wants to negotiate everything, from one more glass of water to a different bedtime story, and sometimes even just to chat about her day.

It’s exhausting because I just want her to get the rest she needs, but I also don’t want to come off as the 'bad cop.' I’ve started feeling like I’m losing the peace of our evenings, and it’s really wearing me down.

Has anyone else gone through this phase? What helped you get back to smooth, calm bedtimes without turning it into a power struggle? Any creative routines or tricks that worked for your little ones?