We use a night light in DD's room and close the door until we head off to bed (but listen out for sounds in the meantime ), then we open the door.

It's how we've always done it - and she doesn't seem bothered by it at all, its routine.

If she does seem to be making a bit of noise in her room after we've put her to bed I walk in there, put her back to bed and say nothing, no eye contact either. The first night I tried it I did it twenty times, and since then I may only have to go in there one or twice in total each week.

I view it as attention seeking (when you mention DS coming out, wanting this and that, laughing at you etc) and by interacting with him you give him the attention he desires. Cut out that attention and he'll probably get very bored of it quick enough (I hope so for your sake hun ).

Depends on his level of understanding maybe also give him warning before its bed time e.g. 'ok, time to have your last drink and wee - its bed time in 5 mins' etc, and then say it at 3 mins to bed time then 1 minute till bedtime perhaps.

Good luck hun!