As a new parent twelve years ago, I remember one of the tips I constantly received and read was to keep a consistent nighttime routine for my baby, including a relaxing bath. It’s not surprising then that it’s common for us parents to set a nightly bath and bedtime routine for our children. But, do we do the same for ourselves? I’ve been making a point to take a little time out of each evening to follow a basic self-care routine BEFORE my kids head to bed. See why I recommend you embrace a nightly self-care ritual prior to the kids’ bedtime and how it can even help you enjoy more time with your family!
4 Ways a Nightly Self-Care Routine Helps Me Enjoy Family Moments
1. Feel more refreshed! A bath or shower always helps me feel more relaxed and refreshed. This is something that I learned from my own mami and that to this day helps me feel instantly better when I am feeling a little “down in the dumps” or even sick. To help me wind down after a long day of adulting, a nice warm shower using Ivory Free & Gentle Cleanse & Nourish Body Wash with Pear & Sandalwood Scent is perfect for washing away the day’s stress and reinvigorating my senses. Free of parabens, dyes, and harsh cleansers, this new Ivory body wash feels soft and gentle on my skin and the scent of pear and sandalwood is extremely refreshing.
2. Gain a second boost! By taking time to step away and refocus myself, I can come back re-energized to spend time with my family for the rest of the evening. I use the time after our family dinner where my children are finishing up their homework and other responsibilities or having one-on-one time with their father. Instead of spending time on extra housework, I spend the time on myself and it gives me a second boost for the evening’s activities with my family!
3. Creates more couple time. By taking advantage of an earlier nightly bath routine, I don’t have to dip into our “us” time after the kids have gone to bed. So not only am I able to enjoy time with the family, I’m able to enjoy time with my husband as well!
4. Spark up healthy conversations. Modeling good self-care and a relaxing evening routine, not only helps my children learn healthy hygiene habits, it also teaches them that it’s important to take time for yourself. This is of particular importance when all too often kids see moms doing so much and leaving their needs for last. Seeing me step away for my nightly shower has become so routine, that it has definitely sparked up some good conversations, especially with my tween girl! Since new Ivory Free & Gentle Body Wash comes in two additional varieties (Cleanse & Soothe with Chamomile Scent and Cleanse & Revive with Sweet Pea & Lily Scent), both of which are also paraben and dye-free, I can feel safe about my daughter choosing any of them for her bath as well.
It may seem counterintuitive to suggest that you step away from the family’s evening routine to shower and begin a basic self-care routine in order to enjoy more family moments. However, those quick 20 or so minutes that you take for yourself can really work wonders in helping you recenter yourself so you have more energy to truly enjoy your family. Just think – wouldn’t it be great to have an enjoyable, relaxed evening with the family rather than the commonly rushed evening routine?
Learn more about new Ivory Free & Gentle Body Wash products and the Ivory soap heritage that began 133 years ago. Be sure to let me know which of the scents you choose to try out with your family!
Would following a nightly self-care routine before your kids head to bed help you enjoy more family moments?
All photos © Melanie Edwards/modernmami™
Disclosure: In collaboration with P&G and Ivory, samples were received and I have been compensated for my time and effort in creating this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I started realizing taking care of myself was as important as taking care of the kids. But I’m doing all of this in the morning. After I drop them off at school I go back home and shower and stuff. At night I am just way to tired to do anything, so the only thing I do is moisturize my face.
Everyone’s routine is different. The important thing is to take care of yourself. However, I find that a nice shower or small routine for myself helps rejuvenate me at night, since like you said, I too get really tired in the evenings.
Hi Melanie!
Are those the new Ivory Body wash? I need to try it…
Well… I need to focus more on myself too.
Thanks for reminding us the importance of taking care of ourselves.
Yes they are! They smell great and feel so soft on your skin! And yes, please do take time for yourself.