My toddler treats bedtime like a high-stakes negotiation, and I am definitely losing today.

Is it just me, or does my three-year-old have a secret degree in corporate litigation? Every night at 7:30 PM, the house turns into a courtroom. We have gone through the routine—bath, books, teeth—and suddenly she discovers an urgent need to discuss the philosophical implications of why the blue pajamas are unacceptable compared to the dinosaur ones. I’m exhausted, leaning against the doorframe, trying to maintain 'gentle parenting' vibes while secretly bargaining with the universe for just two hours of quiet. Last week, she successfully negotiated an extra glass of water and three additional hugs before passing out mid-sentence. I’m honestly starting to wonder if I’m the one being trained here. Has anyone actually found a way to stop the stalling tactics without turning bedtime into a battle of wills? I want to know if I’m missing some golden hack or if I’m just destined to be a hostage negotiator for the next decade of my life.