Why won't they go to bed?

My boys hate going to sleep. Nap-time or bed-time, it doesn't matter. They fight it- even if they are sooo tired, which leads to over-tired, which leads to no fun time. We are constantly struggle with putting them to sleep. We used to lock them in their rooms, but we had a few problems with accidents so we would leave the door open a little so they could use the bathroom. But we used to have a special child proofing lock that Tim designed (duct tape around a sock over the knob) they couldn’t open that we used when we felt they had enough potty/ water breaks and had to stay in their room. Well, the boys finally ripped off the door lock and it has been pandemonium ever since.


Last night was no exception. They escaped their room and fled downstairs at least half dozen times. They had to see what we were grilling, what we were eating, show us something, find a toy/book, etc. The ultimate was when they escaped and we were listenting to music downstairs. We found those boys at the top of the stairs dancing to the music. Tim had enough. He went upstairs to get them to bed for the last time and this is how the conversation went. (It was my birthday so I got to stay downstairs for this one.)

Tim: Boys, it is past you bedtime, get in your room.
Boys: But I HAVE to dance.
Tim: No more dancing. You need to go to sleep, now.
Boys: Just one more song.
Tim: NO! Get in your room!
Boys: Mommy!!!!(whining) just one song, one short song
Tim: Get in your room now and stay in there.
Boys: You are a bad guy. (angry)
Boys: You are NOT going to take me to school anymore.

I still had to go upstairs and “tuck” them in after that, but they finally went to bed.