Mel, what kind of games does DH play with him when he gets home? It sounds like he's understandably excited to see Daddy and it's taking him some time to wind-down from play time. If it is really necessary for him to stay up and play with Daddy, then I think you should have a chat about making sure this is a wind-down time for the two of them. That might help him settle better. Maybe you could hold off and DH could give him his bath and play with him there as soon as he gets home, followed by a nice quiet time with some books, a cuddle and lie down in bed with him.

It's going to be very hard for a three year old to go from 'YAY Daddy's home - let's play!' to sleep in less than an hour. It sounds like he's also over-tired, which is only making it worse.

Another thing we found was no TV after bath-time and before dinner in our household. It would wire DD up way too much, she'd be whingey and uncooperative, and that would rub off on our moods.

GL hun. I'd concentrate on toning everything down. Fine for them to play, but quiet games only. If your DH is anyting like DP, I understand that's a tricky one.