When I see those sweet movies of adorable kids in footie pajamas happily getting ready for bed and then nestled in their mom’s arms as they read a bedtime story together, I’m in awe.

And envious.

Because in my household, while we do have those wonderful moments of cuddling over a book, they are often preceded by a seemingly requisite struggle over teeth brushing, pajama wearing or a general need to convince Max that blowing bubbles or hiding my mail under the refrigerator does not qualify as appropriate pre-bedtime activity.

You see, Max is a preschooler. And here are five truths I’ve learned about bedtime with a preschooler:

1. Your child’s bedtime sees more delays than an international airport. Typical (and hopelessly transparent) delay tactics: He wants a drink of water, wants to ride a firetruck, needs to potty, has a hair in his mouth, wants ham …

2. Anyone can get your little one to bed faster than you. Grandma = 5 minutes. Babysitter = 2 minutes. You = 50 minutes (unless you fall asleep in her bed first).

3. Whether she goes to bed at 7 p.m., 9 p.m. or 11 p.m., she still wakes up at 5 a.m. She’s reliable like that.

4. He will cry out from his bedroom for the most random reasons: “Mommy! I saw a dirty tennis ball today!” (actual quote)

5. Pajamas really matter. A series of inexplicable tantrums can erupt over the dinosaur or truck pajamas. Irrational Tantrum No. 1: He wants to wear the dinosaur pajamas. Irrational Tantrum No. 2: Actually, he wants the truck pajamas. Followed by irrational tantrum No. 3: Oh wait, he wants to wear NO pajamas.

I swear, if it weren’t for that irreplaceable hug I get every night before turning out the lights, it almost wouldn’t be worth it. What truths have you realized about your kid’s bedtime?