Bedtime has become a total battle lately

Our usually easygoing 5-year-old has suddenly turned bedtime into a full-on standoff every single night. We used to have a smooth routine - bath, story, lights out - but now it’s endless requests for water, one more story, and sometimes even hiding under the covers to avoid going to sleep. It’s exhausting and honestly pretty heartbreaking to see her so restless.

We’ve tried sticking to the same schedule, offering choices like which pajamas to wear or which book to read, even dimming the lights earlier. Sometimes it helps, but often it just drags on longer. I’m worried this will turn into a habit that’s hard to break.

Has anyone else dealt with this sudden bedtime resistance? What helped you get back to peaceful nights without making it a power struggle? Would love to hear any strategies or routines that worked for your family!