Bedtime has become a total battle lately

Our usually smooth bedtime routine has turned into a nightly struggle. My 5-year-old suddenly refuses to go to bed, throwing tantrums and making up all sorts of reasons to stay up. It’s exhausting and honestly, it’s starting to wear me down after a long day.

We’ve tried everything from earlier bedtimes, calming activities before bed, to even a small reward system, but nothing seems to work consistently. I’m feeling pretty stuck and could really use some fresh ideas or just to know I’m not alone in this.

Has anyone else gone through a phase like this? What helped you get back to peaceful bedtimes?