Well I also used to free feed but now I can't because Sky, Starr, Pearl, and now Ziggy would probably eat it all. Storm and Sunny could probably do very well being free fed but now they can't do this any longer.

Here's my routine M-F:
Usually around 7am-7:15am- first morning feeding; Storm and Sunny get wet and dry food mixed together and the rest get dry food

Usually around 8:50-9am- second morning feeding; they all get dry food

Usually between 7-8pm- first evening feeding- Storm and Sunny get wet food and dry food mixed together and the rest get dry food

Usually around 9pm- each cat gets 6 pieces of greenie treats; Ziggy doesn't seem to like these yet so she just watches

Usually between 10-11pm- second evening feeding- they all get dry food

On weekends I may start their first feeding as late as 8am and their second feeding as late as 11am.

Each cat eats about 1/2 cup of food a day. I think that Ziggy eats a bit more though since she's still growing. I divide each feeding into 4 small meals so the first 2 morning meals equal about 1/4 of a cup and the 2 evening meals equal about 1/4 of a cup.

Sometimes Sunny and Sky will eat too fast and will throw up their food but luckily this doesn't happen too often if I stick to this schedule. They're all at a very good weight right now but I think that Pearl may still be growing.

The key is to not give in. It's very easy during the week because I'm at work but it can sometimes be hard when I'm home on the weekends. I'd suggest that if they bug you too much, then just give them a very small amount. Over time they'll learn that this is all they get. It's hard for them to understand in the beginning but hopefully they'll get the hang of it. Good luck.