Remember that your children need your help during this major transition of their day. Remain calm, sensitive and loving. Remain in charge. Establish a definite bedtime. With younger children inform them of your decision and stick to it.
Children can feel empowered if given a choice from which they can choose.
With older kids, give them the opportunity to stay up later on Fridays and Saturdays. Also it is important that children recognize that adults need time alone together. Develop a consistent routine. Children who have a set of bedtime activities adapt better. From getting bedclothes on, to washing face and teeth, to having water by the bed, to that all-important bedtime story.