There was a recent [parody] book which was passed around entitle "Go The F*ck To Sleep".  While funny in it's own right, it reminded me of something I've meant to post and ask for further advice.

Our kids (2 & 4) recently were moved into one bedroom with a bunk bed.  A combination of the new bed along with them sleeping together turned this into a massive playtime for both of them at bed time.  For a week we struggled with getting them to sleep, but the youngest kept crawling to the top bunk where they would both play and make a mess.  No matter how much scolding or encouragement, playing ensued to the point where they were both 3+ hours past their bedtime (the days following were horrible).

I dug deep and used my latest "Why say no?" thinking and came up with this plan:

• Bedtime now starts 30 minutes earlier
• Same routine (brush, pajamas, say good night, off to your room)
• We allow them both to play for 30 minutes
• Lights out after 30 minutes and go to bed

This actually worked REALLY well.  By giving them what they wanted, within the boundaries we felt were suitable, everyone wins. Plus with the new novelties of sleeping in the same room and a new "jungle gym" (bunk bed), they have been able to get this out of their systems.  As part of the 30 minutes of playtime allowance, we have included three rules which if broken, playtime immediately stops and sleeptime starts! 

1. No crying - this really means no rough playing or hurting each other
2. No coming out - otherwise we end up with 30 minutes of "dadda, come here and look at this"
3. No mess - this would delay sleeptime because of the need to clean up

I won't lie to you, it's not perfect.  But it is MUCH MUCH better.  It's amazing how giving kids what they desire, within your boundaies, everyone apprently wins! :)  

How do others deal with a shared room?

p.s. It may seem odd that a 2 & 4 yo have the same bedtime.  Due to medical reasons (and medicine) our 4 yo is plenty tired by 7:30p when it is the 2 yo's bedtime.