My toddler does everything she can to resist sleep.

Most of what she...: ...Does, she does to get your attention. Remove yourself, and you remove her incentive to keep herself awake. Very few great actors put on a show if there is no audience, and very few toddlers avoid being great actors.

Be patient but firm: Toddlers want independence when it suits them but demand you remain close & nurturing.This extends to bedtime when previously good sleepers may become anxious about separation.I encourage a calming night ritual followed by tucking the child in.Require that the child remain in his/her room until morning.Reward him/her with an open door if so, closed if not & return every time if venturing out.