What you can do about bedtime battles Teach your toddler to fall asleep alone. One of the best lessons you can teach him is how to soothe himself to sleep. You might tell him that if he stays in bed you'll come back in five minutes to check on him. Let him know he's safe and that you'll be nearby. Don't let him dawdle.
Toddlers are excellent negotiators, especially at bedtime.
Try not to let him stall you. Tell him it's time for bed and that he can finish working on his drawing or find the stuffed bunny tomorrow. Fill up a glass of water before lights-out, for instance, and put it on his night table. Remind him to use the potty one more time before climbing under the covers, and give him lots of extra hugs to last the whole night long. He'll feel like he's getting his way, but you'll know you're really getting yours.