One thing we improved on significantly recently is bedtime for little ones. It wasn’t really until Lilly that we figured out a real improvement to our old normal.
We actually start getting Lilly ready for bed 25 minutes before we actually walk out of her room for bed. That may sound like a lot, but if you think about how valuable it is to leave your kiddos with a sense of calm and peace, plus a real parent-child connection before bed, you really do need this type of time.
This helps you avoid feeling rushed if you forget something, have an interruption (which is a frequent thing with little ones, of course), your or your nugget is “dragging” a bit, etc. You are also less likely to rush through stories, praying, songs or whatever you choose to make a part of your normal.
This is another area where you can see why God designed the family how He did… and why you can’t have work or other commitments pull either of you away from these important times of the day. There are times when one of you parents has to take care of something pressing or is extra wiped out, so the other handles bedtime that night.
We start out with “teeth, potty, jammies”. Next either me, Christina or sometimes half and half between the two of us have one on one time in the room. Our normal is 1 long or two short books. Occasionally, since she is older, we allow her to trade some book time for a song or talking. If she ever asks for something she doesn’t have time for we let her know. She learns about limitations and choices.
I believe you can start this as early as possible with a little one. Enjoy this extremely special time. I think you will both remember it for a lifetime.
Bonus Tip: Once you have more than one, this is a reason staggered bedtimes is a really good idea. Everyone gets a block of focused one-on-one time.