Yeah, I hope this advice didn't seem too totalitarian. We did that all the time and still do. I think it is more of a "most of the time be consistent". And bed time is only one component. The routine is also super important, possibly more important than a specific time, but the timing certainly helps. The routine before bed is like programming to their brain that helps them hit their off switch easily. After a few years they can do it with very little help from an adult. So it is also all about the age where they are going to most easily learn these skills. To me it is worth doing it when they are younger because it is just another invisible life skill that really helps them be happy and whole.

The point is to have a normal routine that you can break. Rules are meant to be broken.

It turns out that you will always have a routine whether you are aware of it or not.

Everyone enjoys the rush of freedom that comes from breaking the rules. Remember they are only rules, not laws. Rules and routine aren't simply restrictive, they can give a backdrop to all the other moments.

Yup. Our kids are normally in bed by 7:15, and they're in the older 7-9 bracket. (Up at 6am, but so are we.)

Their delight when you do something special like going out for dinner or a "late" night walk is wonderful. Can be as often as 1-2x a week or even more during school holidays.