Juggling the dinner/bath/bed routine

[JordieC]

I do nights 4 times in a row by myself because DH is a shift worker. Pretty much got it down pat now! When DH is working we mostly eat food that can be reaheated eg. casseroles, risotto, oven food etc. I usually cook in the morning so Dh can take some to work then we have it for tea. Or a really simple pasta is another option. We have the fancier meals when DH is home! Here's what usually happens without being too strict.

4.30ish DS goes down for nap for about 30-45 mins. If he doesn't have this he just playes or has snack in high chair. DD has quiet play or movie/TV at this time! I prepare or heat dinner in this time. I also do whatever quick tidy ups I can do.

5.30ish - dinner for both kids.

6.00ish - bath for both kids only every second night unless particularly dirty

6.30ish stories, DS last feed and 7 pm bed. DD sometimes goes down a bit later

I get their PJ's ready while they are eating - this take about 1 minute and start bath running too. I alsways get DS out of the bath first and pull plug on DD while he is getting dried.

I eat dinner by myself when they are in bed unless I am hungry earlier and we eat together. This means we rarely have family dinners - about 1 or 2 times a week but that's what works for us. Some nights this does not happen in this order and we just do whatever!!! I usually do folding of washing during Master Chef and other chores on ad breaks. By 8.30 I give myself permission to stop if I haven't already!