Oh, Exhausted in Boca, I feel this in my bones. The bedtime jack-in-the-box routine is one of the most frustrating parenting challenges, and you're definitely not alone. Here's what's really happening, and what actually works: What’s Going On Your 4-year-old isn't trying to torture you (even though it feels that way at 10 PM). Several things are at play: Developmental : Four-year-olds are becoming more independent and testing boundaries. Bedtime is a big boundary. Fear : Ni