I think Routine is really important and at 2.5 she should be at a stage where you can explain what is happening - ie we are going to read a story then it's time for sleep etc. We have a great routine which works well for us - between 4-5pm we have a bath, then dinner, playtime and whatever else to fill in the time to 7.30pm. My husband and I usually have dinner after Miss M has gone to bed as he often dosen't get home until late but on weekends we always eat together. Now we have daylight savings we have been having a small walk each night together if time permits. Bed time is toilet, teeth, story in bed and then goodnight time. Most nights we don't have any issues but some nights she does get out of bed. When this happens we just pop her back in and do the goodnight routine again. Part of this is asking her not to get out of her bed! On the odd occasion she is just so past it (tired and upset) that we lie with her but she is usually out within 10 minutes and it isn't that often. I think reading in bed to her really helps her relax and get ready for sleep and as she loves books we always leave a book with her to read to her toys she sleeps with, most of the time this is put under the doona to sleep with her aswell. I probabaly haven't really offered any advice here but just thought i'd let you know our routine which has worked well for us since Miss M has been in a bed. I also agree that making major changes all at once isn't the way to go but maybe start with the bath, then move dinner earlier next etc. Do what works for you and your family and you really can't go wrong. Goodluck