Younger children often feel having a doll, stuffed animal or special blanket helps them to transition to sleep time more securely. Such an object for the child symbolically reminds them of their parents and helps that time alone to feel safer and more secure. Don't force kids to go to sleep. It is better to help children to listen to their own internal clock, to recognize their own feelings of fatigue. Rather, define bedtime as the time of night you go to your room and prepare for sleep with a story or reading to yourself.
Some children relax if there is a radio playing soothing music.
After a full day, most children will fall asleep naturally as soon as they slow things down. Avoid power struggles and manipulations. As parents we forget that our attention is often what keeps problems occurring. If children act-out to keep us involved at bedtime, take charge of what you choose to give your attention to and ignore behaviors that are inappropriate or just attention getting. Stay calm, give clear and concise directions and while being sensitive remain firm and consistent.