Bedtime Blues 2.0

Well, unfortunately, bedtime is still a battleground in our little household.  In spite of calming baths, lavender-scented baby oil massages, Benedryl (per Dr.’s instructions), storytime, books-on-tape, and lavender essential oil on pillows, it is nearly midnight, and Bud is still awake…and crying.  He has argued and fought and back-talked and been disciplined.  Doors have been pounded, injustices innumerated and pleading requests made (and subsequently been denied).  I am at a loss.  And now he says he’s hungry.  I bet he is.  It has been hours since supper.  I myself am hungry.  But because he demanded that I make him a bedtime snack after I told him to wait until breakfast, I cannot provide him food, though I am so inclined by my compassion for him.  I cannot allow him to dictate to me, for we have run up against his demands all day (week).  We have fought battle over battle, iron will against adamantium will, over such small issues as who will put a dish away.  He refuses to budge and our stand-offs often end in a clear win for neither of us. 

So as he fights sleep, and fights submission, I fight with myself.  Am I doing the right thing?  Have I been picking the wrong battles?  Am I heartlessly cruel?  Am I a complete pushover?  And one overriding question dominates…Why won’t he just go to sleep?