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I am a firm believer about having a routine and sticking to it. With that said I have 3 children and throughout the day we stick to our routine. it is that dreaded bedtime which IS the worst time for me. The oldest child will get into bed then dictate to the younger one she shares a room with to get up repeatedly and ask for things neither one needs. Then there is the baby who seems to go to sleep when he feels he is ready which is never when I would like for him to be. I am a night owl and I think I have always been one. Since I was about 7 years old I can remember my mother trying to get me to sleep. One night she came into my bedroom, tired as a dog from working all day and just started to rub my feet. I think she was wishing someone would rub hers. Needless to say I was asleep in about 5 minutes or less. The reason: the soothing sound of my mothers voice had me completely relaxed.

* DISCLAIMER* Don't try this at home unless you have at least 10 minutes of patience, quietness, a calming tone to your voice, and a little bit of rhythm.
First you have to use both hands and start massaging at the top.
Rub your child's head slowly and say:
"Good night head"
In a continuing motion move slightly to the eyes and temples and say:
"Good night eyes"
Now the ears,
"Good night ears"
Now continue moving down the body and massaging each part for about 1 minute.
"Good night mouth"
"Good night shoulders"
"Good night arms"
"Good night fingers"
"Good night tummy"
"Good night thighs"
"Good night knees"
"Good night legs"
"Good night ankles"
"Good night feet"
"Good night toes"
You can add other body parts if you need to to prolong the process in order to make the child feel that they are relaxing. Once you reach the toes your child(ideally) should be asleep. Now is your chance to escape without having to do this over again. Slowly get up and kiss you sleeping baby on the forehead whispering good night to them.
Not only did this put me to sleep many times but still to this day my mother does this "routine" with me any chance she comes to visit. I guess you could say this was our bonding experience and is something that will never fade away.

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