One parent mentioned God's place in the garden. Then, while inspecting the summer growth, they occasionally referred to their sign and talked about God's role in nature. They made the sign which became their cue to reflect upon God in their lives. Often stories and prayers at bedtime can be relaxed, non-competitive time with children. When everything is right, bedtime can be a time when the unconditional love of parent for child is almost tangible.
Children are usually tired and sometimes less frenetic.
It also goes without saying that some nights seem more like thinly veiled chaos. But, hopefully, most nights are more peaceful. Going to sleep for children happens gracefully only within an elaborate ritual. This is the liturgy of going to sleep and is not totally unlike other liturgies. Father Alexander Schmemann spoke of the Eucharist beginning with the long ritual of getting dressed for Church and continuing through the trip to Church and all the beautiful liturgy preceding Communion.