Q&A: Any tips for a 3-year-old who doesn't want to go to bed?

Routines are a good way to transition into bedtime. Teeth-brushing, a book and a snuggle create the downtime needed to settle into the night. But, your issue isn't as much about routines as it is about limits, and, yes, it seems like your daughter is stalling to stretch those limits beyond what is necessary. The fact that you are exhausted means its time to change the goalposts and impose a tighter, shorter bedtime routine. Do this first by deciding, with your daughter, the most important elements of your goodnight routine. Take the top few from the list, or what will fit into 20 to 30 minutes, and make a firm committment to complete that routine and no more. When you are done, you are done. Answer pleas with a reminder that you are done. Don't respond to temper tantrums at all. If you have to intervene in a tantrum, do so calmly and briefly, but don't go back to the routine. On the days that go well, give your daughter lots of praise for a job well done. If you are absolutely consisitent with what you know is best, you will eventually regain control over your evening.