Bedtime - Far Rockaway,NY

I would say they should start getting ready for bed around 7 or 7:30 to be in bed by 8 at the latest (esp for the younger one.) Maybe in bed by 7:30 for the youngest, 7:45 for the oldest. If they're in different rooms. If they stay in bed or not can't really be helped, but enforce that once put in bed (bath done, potty done, teeth brushed and story read), it's bedtime, they're not coming out of the room.

It'll take a while, but once they understand that it's bedtime for them and mommy won't give them attention.. They'll get bored complaining and go to sleep. Removing toys (esp. ones that make noise) would also help with the it's bed time, not playtime. idea.

Honestly, I found things to cook that require little prep... and clean on the weekends or "when I can". The house isn't picture perfect - or anywhere close.. anymore. My kids are 3 and 4.5 and go to bed about 8:30.... by then I'm too pooped to do anything. I've actually had some good luck in the early morning while they are still half asleep - I can get some things done before work.

I am lucky my hubby usually does most of the cooking so I entertain them while he does, then we do bath and usually some 'homework" then off to bed...im too tired to think of anything else so I straighten up a bit then end up crashing on the couch till 10 wake up watch an hr of TV and go to bed. After I tuck the kids in bed and snuggle (regardless of who puts them to bed) then I let them read till they arel tired and keep their door closed. we start bedtime aroun 8 and by the time I leave their rooms it is 8:45 ish and they are generally asleep by 9 or so.

How funny, I work 8-5 and my husband is also a plumber! Anyway, we have a regular routine, dinner, tv, bath, book, bed. Regardless of who puts them to bed, that is the routine. I shut their door since they can see right into our room from theirs, turn on a night light and check on them a couple of times. That seems to work and once they know the routine, it should be a lot easier. BTW, they are in bed by 8pm every night except rare occasions and sometimes weekends and they share a room and are 2 1/2 and almost 5. We all need our time :)

I would do alot of it during the day so they could "help". They are at the age they would LOVE that. They could sort laundry. Give them a wet sponge to wipe down cabinets, give the dogs a bowl of water etc. There is actually, quite a few things. They would be learning and you could actually get something done. By the way, cherish this time, they're at such a sweet ages.

If they aren't tired, don't put them to sleep! You may be better off having "quiet" time during which they can be in their room(s) quietly playing with books, puzzles, stuffed animals or anything that isn't overly stimulating.

I get home a little after 5 most nights. I cook dinner, we eat at 6:30 and have play time until bed time (8:30). Honestly, we have a housekeeper, so I tidy the house at night, but I don't need to clean (besides we're not home all to make a mess). I do as much "prep" for dinner after my son goes to bed- if it can be sliced, chopped, mixed or shredded ahead of time I do it then.

Keep to a bedtime routine of bath, rubdown with nighttime lotion, teeth brushing, a story or two, quiet voices and music to help them relax, and close the door when it's time to go to sleep. If this doesn't work put up a baby gate across the door, childproof their room and let them know they may read books or play quietly in their beds until they fall asleep.

I put my kids to bed at 8pm. When I know they are trying to fall asleep. I try and dim the lights and keep things quiet. Once they fall asleep I can do more around the house.

My kids never had the option of being up just because I was up and about. They knew that grownups stayed up later. Don't give them the option. Gate them in if you must. I didn't really do chores at night after bedtime. I'd come home from work, have time with the kids, make dinner, hubby and I would trade off who would tidy up, do baths, read stories, etc and once the child/children were in bed, it was grownup relax time. It might also help, if they are hearing and seeing you, to wait for them to fall asleep before you start doing things.
I don't understand the previous response, talking about doing your chores with your kids during the day, when you clearly stated that you are a working mom.