normal, I get it's age-appropriate and boy, do I love that kid. But I won't be a martyr to her all my damn life. My husband died about 4 and a half months ago (and it is NOT that - she's absolutely fine, was just 3 when it happened). But the point is, I need my evenings. I need some life. When in hell's name am I supposed to get out if by 8 I feel like it's getting on and I can't really summon up the energy after sitting in the dark for 45 minutes being uber-patient (oh I get it, I'm meant to be so consumed by my biological callings that I only care about her needs). I don't give one what the reasons she's playing up are for - sure that it's habit, sure it's age-appropriate, nursery, whatever. The point is, it's not ok and it f*cking well upsets me. I end up screaming at her and I NEVER wanted to do this! I just want her to go to sleep. We have routine etc. There has to be another way! TO NOT be a SLAVE to my child! I DO ENOUGH dudes, I do enough! And every day I read articles that send me in to further confusion about how I shouldn't sit her on the step (when she hits me in the face - well thank you!) because it will lower her self-esteem and then god well I wouldn't want that because then she'll end