How to encourage older children to fall asleep independently?

[Jellyfish]

With DD1 she fed to sleep till she weaned which was 3yr 3mo, the last six months were quite the juggle as I was tandem feeding with DD2 but it was quicker and easier than the alternatives so held on as long as we could. She then decided to wean so we had to do something else, we transitioned to books, backrubs and singing but it was taking longer and longer so we started doing what TFB did but with dishes instead "I just have to go do the dishes then I'll be right back in" and that worked, she was always asleep after I'd done the dishes. This was sometime around 3.5-4 and has worked since (now almost 5). DD2 is about to turn 2 and still fed to sleep and will be till she weans, it's easiest but we will probably do similar to the progression with DD1 when the time comes.

[Snacks]

Thanks for this thread, HotI. I'll be looking closely at all the ideas herein.
I am begging, bargaining, trying all the tricks I possibly can to deal with P's falling asleep at night. I feel your pain! Last night she was awake until 10 - sooooo overtired but wouldn't stay in bed. At that stage I was able to cuddle her to sleep, but... hello! 10pm!! I was ready for bed myself!
I hope things click for yours soon. x