Staggered bedtime or sleep at the same time?

"I was wondering if anyone has to deal having a 7 and 10 year old and whether they have different bed times for each. This is causing a big problem for me right now as the 10 year old stays up til 9 at his mom's while the 7 year old is supposed to be in bed by 8. When the 10 year old is over this causes a big problem as the 7 year old starts screaming and crying that it's not fair. any ideas?"

This is my reply to the reader:

This sounds really tough. I'm afraid I am in no position to comment because my 3 and 5 year old go to bed at 10-11pm. I'd really like to know how you get them to bed by 8 or 9pm! Lol. I can only think of letting them go to bed at the same time which means bringing up the 7 year old's bedtime till later and the 10 year's old earlier or allowing the 10 year old to bed only after the 7 year old is sound asleep. Perhaps make them go to bed only when they are very sleepy otherwise they get very restless if they have to stay in bed too long. Is your 7 year old woken up by the 10 year old or still awake by 9pm? If so, the 7 year old may be resting in bed too long (an hour) which explains the cries and complains. I will put your question for discussion on my other blog which usually draws more comments so perhaps we can find some solutions for you. :)

To everyone:

Can you give some better suggestions or help to the reader?
Do you practise staggered bedtime or does all your kids go to bed at the same time?

Note: I've always practised the same bedtime for my kids. I guess its easier because their ages are only 2 years apart and it was easy during the early days because I would breastfeed the baby while reading to the toddler then everyone goes to sleep. I feel that allowing them to sleep at the same time makes my bedtime routine easier to handle. But thats just me. Others may feel differently. What do you feel?