Back at work but want some time with 7mo DD in evening - routines

[HormonesAGogo]

My DD is 7 1/2 months and enjoys nursery, I and my DH both work, he drops her off at nursery at 8 where she has her breakfast and lunch, and milk in cups, then I pick her up at 5 and bf her. We all then eat our tea together at 6.30 and she goes to bed about 8. I thought we were doing OK and she seems a pretty good sleeper, but I'm a bit worried cos at nursery they give the other babies and kids their tea at 4 pm and parents seem to pick them up at 6 then bath and bed them!
At the moment my DD has nothing at 4 pm, but I might change that to a light tea when she's a bit older so she can still have her main tea at 6.30 with us.
Does this sound OK? We want to spend some time with her in the evening and want to eat together as a family, do you know of anyone who does anything similar or are we dreaming to think we can have some time with her in the evenings?
Is early days at the moment she's only been in nursery 3 weeks, so grateful for any advice

[RhinestoneCowgirl]

Sounds lovely, and if it's working for you I wouldn't change it. DS is 2 and is always knackered on the days I work as he has stopped napping at the CM so we do get him put to bed sharpish. On other days he has a decent nap in the afternoon so we all eat together in the evenings when DH gets in.

Routine is supposed to help you out, not tie you down

[PerkinWarbeck]

If it ain't broke, don't fix it . Until recently my DD has not had tea at nursery, so that we can have a family meal together later on.

However, at 18mo she has recently started to get a bit envious of the others having tea, so does have a quick snack at that time instead!

[Chaotica]

Your routine sounds fine.

Personally I think this "early bedtime for pre-school-age kids" is overrated (my two go to bed at 9 so DP can see them when he gets home). As long as they're getting enough sleep, the more family time the better...

[catweazle]

My DD is 17 mo. She has breakfast, dinner and tea at nursery, comes home at 4.30 and eats again with us at 6ish, then goes to bed when I do. My mother is horrified and says she "should have a bedtime" but she falls asleep earlier if she's tired. If I put her to bed at 6pm I'd never see her as I work FT.

You do what works for you and your DD

[dilemma456]

Message withdrawn

[jelliebelly]

If dd is happy and you are happy then no need to change imo

[HormonesAGogo]

thanks everyone, nice to know we should be able to continue having some time with her in the evening, she's a very happy baby at the moment so I think we're doing OK,
I think as she gets older she can just have two teas