On Toddler Bed Time

(Or "What are we thinking?!?")


"We have GOT to figure out why that little stinker doesn't go to bed until 10:00!"
"I know exactly why."
"You do?"
"Yep.  He knows we won't make him.  And he knows that if he holds out long enough, he'll get to sit on the couch with mommy and daddy and eat french fries and pizza rolls."
"Oh, right.  So we should probably stop that."
"True.  But it's a lot easier if we just let him."


Friends, this conversation actually happened at my house last night.  (I'm not going to tell you which voice in this particular conversation was mine.That's not important.)  And so now I need your help.

Stinky and Bugsy share a bedroom, which makes "cry it out" difficult.  Also, Stinky sleeps in a twin bed, so we can't really just put him in bed and expect that he'll necessarily stay.  We seriously need to get the kid to sleep at a reasonable time, though, for our sanity, his mood, and so we can have some time alone!  What should we do?!?  Any sure-fire suggestions for fixing the mess we've made?

Anyone?