Countdown to bedtime - calm evening routines for kids?

[Earlybird]

Far too often dd's bedtime feels not as peaceful as I would like. She is, I think, overtired at the end of the day, but yet becomes almost frantic in her attempts to delay the inevitable (there's everything from extended bathroom "poo sessions", to wanting certain dolls to "sleep with her, etc). I often become impatient with her procrastination, and leave her room feeling our last interaction of the day wasn't as loving a "good night" as I would have liked.

Also, over the summer months, we have gotten out of the habit of a bedtime story, which I would like to resume. Do you read to your children before bed, and if so, for how long? What time is bedtime?

I'm wondering if a different "countdown to bedtime" would be better for both of us, and am curious to know what routines others have established. Any suggestions for a calm, cozy evening routine from mums who've got it sussed, would be appreciated.

how old is she?

i would do bath, choose a toy (give a time limit), then story in bed and then lights out

She's 4.5, and we aim for lights out at 7. In reality it's often closer to 7.30 after all her faffing about.

we do bath, pj's, drink, story then bed with kisses and squishy hugs. suishy hugs start like a normal hug, buy then you squish the kids and cuddle them more. hehe.

how long does it take for bath to story to lights out?

with 3 kids, and eczema routine, too long. baths start around6-6.30, lights finally out at 7.30pm.

We have always had a routine - up to bath at 6, DS1 has story and milk upstairs and DS2 has story and gets rocked to sleep downstairs (I know I know - making rod for my own back etc) but TBH as soon as I say "bath time" they both go a bit mad, tear upstairs and run round the place being completely barmy until I finally get them in the bath with threats and bribes - hardly calming!
They are both quite calm after bath though. This obviously only works if we are both there (DH and myself) It all goes a bit pear shaped if we're on our own.

soory - didn't answer your question - I'd say about an hour for whole routine from start to sleep

Does no-one else do the "what did we do today" routine in bed? It has always been the best part of ds bedtime, when he is snuggled down in bed ready for sleep we talk through his day, and it really helps to empty his conscious (sp?) mind for sleep. It is also a good way for me to find out what has affected/pleased/bothered him during the day.
I do this too, when ds and dd asleep i phone my mum and pour out my day to her, it really helps
(Our bedtime routine takes an hour)