Creating a Good Routine at Home

Establishing daily routines can provide structure and stability for both moms and kids. Have set times for waking up, meals, playtime, learning activities, and bedtime. Routines help manage expectations and create a sense of predictability, which i know children THRIVE on predictability. When they know the system, and we are consistent with them, They love following along!

Creating routines can be a game-changer for you!

Here's how to establish and maintain a good/effective routine:

1. Consistent Wake-Up and Bedtimes: Start and end the day at consistent times. This helps regulate everyone's internal clock and sets the tone for the day. Personally, I love getting up earlier than my kids and even my husband! I get that personal time that i crave, and This brings out my creative energy, that helps me get more done throughout the day!

2. Morning and Evening Routines: Design morning and bedtime rituals. For mornings, this might include tasks like making the bed, having breakfast together, and getting dressed. Evening routines can involve activities like reading a book, taking a bath, or sharing bedtime stories. This is big for our family. My boys know, if there is anything they are wanting to do, they make sure their morning routine is done first. They know what their morning routine consists of, and rarely do we ever get them negotiating their routines to do something immediate. But I no longer have to stress and over explain myself. They now know exactly what i mean when i say "Did you get your morning routine done?" or "Time to get our morning routine done, before we go to school!"

3. Mealtime Consistency: Establish regular meal times. Consistency in meal schedules helps create a sense of structure and ensures everyone is adequately nourished throughout the day. I have had Many days where I get caught up in what im doing for work, that its past 1pm, and i forgot to feed lunch to my kids, i come out to find them rummaging through the pantry, eating all the sandwiches and snacks. But if i had a consistent mealtime schedule, and I set an alarm, so i can stay accountable to time management, I wouldnt have to worry about food going to waste, or food going in the wrong places.

4. Block Schedule for Activities: Create blocks of time for specific activities throughout the day. For instance, set aside time for learning activities, playtime, chores, and quiet time. Having designated time slots ensures each aspect of the day gets attention. One of my FAVORITE time blocks i set aside and i swear by until the day i die, is quiet time. Helping my children learn when quiet time is, and more specifically, WHAT TO DO during quiet time, gives me a break that i need. I can read a book, cuddle my little ones, sit outside and get some fresh air, take a nap. All things i want my boys to understand now, because it helps them learn when to re-center themselves. and to remember to do so each day! We cannot forget about Breaks. This is especially important for children. Allow time for free play, relaxation, or outdoor activities to prevent burnout.

5. Visual Aids for Young Children: Use visual aids like charts or pictures for younger children to understand and follow the routine. Visual representations can make it easier for kids to grasp the order of activities/schedules. When i was teaching my older two boys how to read, this became exceptionally handy. They would try to spell out the word, but it became sight words when they could see the picture and the word side by side and know whats being said.

6. Flexibility within Routine: While routines are essential, it's also crucial to allow flexibility. Life with kids can be unpredictable, so be open to adjustments when necessary. We have had plenty of times, traveling across the country, where the "Unpredictable" happens, plans and routines change. When we were first learning how to set routines, the unpredictable shook the kids. their bearing on the routine fell, and we had to start over each and every time we got settled again. This was hard. So when we planned for a back up plan, for when the unpredictable happens, it gave our boys the footing they needed for these moments, and it totally changed their world! much happier children!

7. Lead by Example: We play a pivotal role in setting the tone for routines. Being consistent and modeling the behavior you want to see in your children, can encourage them to follow the routine more effectively. It is really self explanatory. And you truly find yourself enjoying and benefiting more from going back to the basic system and routines, and not trying to cram everything into one day, without much thought.

8. Communication and Reinforcement: Explain the routine to children and reinforce it regularly. Gentle reminders or verbal cues help children understand and adapt to the schedule. If i just put a routine on the wall, and walked away, my boys would see that paper, rip it down and id never see it again. I have to first sit them down after we all get home, and we discuss what routines are being implemented and whats going to change, and if they have any suggestions too! When they get involved in the making of the systems, they are more likely to follow the plan!

9. Celebrate Success: Acknowledge and celebrate achievements in following the routine. Positive reinforcement encourages kids to stick to the established schedule. Oh my goodness! When we can follow the routines, and we have minor issues, It is 100% the time to celebrate at the end of the week. and a great celebration, gives them all something to look forward to the next week. which means another successful week of everyone working together to follow the routine!

Remember, routines provide a sense of security and predictability for children, helping them feel more secure and confident. They also offer a framework for US to manage our time effectively while creating a balanced environment for the entire family. Happy Family!