Life is BUSY…I get it because I am one of those moms that tries to squeeze in something fun, entertaining or educational any free second of the day. In fact, if it weren’t for my 10 month old, we would be on the go all day long. So when I talk to you about routine and schedules, I’m taking my own advice as well…because we all know what’s best for our kids (for the most part) but actually doing it is another story.
As a former teacher, I have always stressed that keeping kids in a SOLID routine is key for their success. It not only teaches them consistency and what to expect, but it prepares them for life where they can set goals and find a concrete way to work towards them. We all have some sort of routine in life so it only makes sense to teach kids how to do the same. I’m not emphasizing having kids conform to some sort of norm and not be unique in their own environment…that is not the topic here. I am merely emphasizing the importance routine has on teaching kids how to set goals, hit them and be productive throughout their day and into adulthood.
For example, I wake up at 5:00 AM every morning. I pray before getting out of bed, I then head downstairs to get some work done before heading to the basement to get in a solid workout. Then upstairs to pack lunches, make breakfast, and get the oldest up and moving for her day. Once she is out the door, my middle child and I make beds, get the washer and dishwasher going and play for about an hour with the baby until the baby’s first nap. Once the baby is down for her nap, my middle child and I do preschool for about an hour or two. Then it is lunch, play time again with the two girls, and nap once again. Second nap for the baby, the middle child and I go outside to do some gross motor activities while the baby naps. Then it is pack everyone up and head to the school to get the oldest one. Home, homework, dinner, baths and bed! PHEW!
Our routine is pretty solid despite the occasional play date, library trip, or zoo expedition. It makes for 3 happy girls who know what to expect in their day and how to navigate when things change.
What makes a good daily routine?
There are no rules about how many or what kind of routines you should have. All families are different, and what works well for one family might not work for another.
Your routines need to be based on your individual family needs. But effective routines do share three key features:
- Well planned: in a good routine, everyone understands their roles, knows what they need to do and sees their roles as reasonable and fair. For example, your children know that they take turns with washing up and drying up each night after dinner.
- Regular: good routines become part of everyday family life. For example, you might all look forward to Sunday night barbecues with your children’s grandparents.
- Predictable: in a good routine, things happen in the same order each time. For example, you always wash school uniforms on the weekend, so you know they’ll be ready for Monday morning.
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