While my schedule lists times, sometimes those vary and our schedule is more of a routine
Here is what we are currently trying:
6:15 - Mom Wake/Exercise
7:00 - Kids Wake/Devotions/Get Ready
7:45 - Breakfast (Mom - Start Laundry)
8:45 - School
12:00 - Lunch
12:45 - Devotions with Kids
1:00 - Afternoon Activity (Art, Music, Science - depending on day)
2:30 - Nap/Quiet Time (Mom Tidies Up)
5:00 - Dinner Prep
6:00 - Kids/Daddy Time (Physcial Activity)
6:30 - Dinner
7:00 - Clean Up/Family Time
7:45 - Begin Bedtime Routine
8:30 - Lights out for Kids
11:00 - Lights out for Adults
Any unscheduled time it free time for the kids. I have left a number of opportunities for it during the day. It certainly doesn't take an hour to eat breakfast. We do have a few things that vary each day such as dance class on Monday. Thursday is our field trip day.
We have specific wake-up and bedtime routines. I'm working on a better way to help the children track them. I'll share more on that in the future.
One big advantage I've found to having our schedule is that it has helped me logically pick the best days and times for our many appointments. I used to simply take whatever appointment we could get. Now I can find times that don't completely turn the day upside down, even when I'm scheduling weeks in advance.
I will say that as much as I resisted it initially, I couldn't imagine functioning well without a schedule. If you're a bit scared of them as I once was, let me encourage you to give it a try. Start simple and be realistic. Don't try to add in a number of new routines that you've never attempted. If you evaluate your day, you may find that you already have more of a routine than you realize.
Like you, I really struggle with a schedule, but I know that it's imperative. I still operate like a college student and it makes for a chaotic situation... Is your schedule still working for you? I'm going to borrow it and let you know how it works for us.
ReplyDeleteThis does seem to be close to the right schedule for us but honestly, the schedule is hit or miss these days. I aim for something along those lines but it's been difficult since my littlest has gone on prophylaxis treatment for his hemophilia. We have to infuse him at least 3 times per week in the morning... everyday if he has an active bleeding episode. I tend to stay up too late which means I'm not crawling out of bed at 6:00. I now tend to exercise at night or during the afternoon. The entire morning shifts by 30-60 minutes depending on the day. I'm also planning to shift my devotions with the kids to after dinner (vs lunch). I do like the predictability when we're consistent.
DeleteAs I mentioned in the post, I look at it as more of a routine than a timed schedule. I simply can't work by a clock. The list above serves as my "what comes next" at any point in the day.