[Dan in Pasadena]

My kids are older now, 24 and 25. High achievers, etc. When they were young their bed time was 8:00 except on the one night (?) that "Who's the Boss" was on, they liked it so I allowed them an extra half hour - compromise. Years later it was 9:00.

By the time they were 16 it was whenever they wanted within reason but the expectations on them didn't change because they had chosen to stay up late (which they didn't often because they'd already been "programmed" to an earlier bed time).

Today this would be easier. Sure there are more options - cable, internet - if you allow it, but there is TiVo. Make a rule on the amount of television they are allowed and let them manage that. If its 2 hours, thats it. Let them see you make rules (others will for us all our lives) let them manage themselves (to learn responsibility), and OCCASIONALLY let them know you'll compromise because you are more than the "rule maker" - you love them; but also want to set a role model for their eventual parenting.