When DS fakes sleep then gets up and wanders over to us I say in a loud voice "I hope that isn't Liebling. He'll be back in bed in five... four... three" before I count down further I hear the patter of rather large feet and he puts himself back to bed - the countdown is my biggest threat and DS knows it. If he disobeys he's picked up and I do what I wanted with him anyway; this way he keeps some dignity.

I usually sit with Liebs as he goes to sleep. Takes 10-15 minutes but it's time we have together. If he refuses to sleep, I tell him that Mammy needs a sit-down so he can play in his room alone or go to sleep, I don't mind. Here's a book to look at. Within 15 minutes he calls for me to put him to bed and he's asleep in 2 minutes. Sometimes he puts himself to sleep, but that's not usual.

We always shut DS's door, but that was more to minimise noise when he was a light sleeper as a tot.