Routines and being consistent is extremely hard for me. As my kids are getting older I desperately need a routine. Whether I like to admit it or not my kids get way too much screen time. This summer I was determined to get them into a routine and to be more consistent. This week has been very successful and we have been able to adjust the schedule when we need but overall it has worked so well. My kids are happier and have maybe watched 2 hrs total of TV this week, I call that a WIN! On top of limiting the amount of time they are on their tablet or TV they are so much happier. Routines are so important for kids but they're so hard for me to keep. Does anyone else feel the same way? Bedtime is also getting easier with this routine, they don't fight it as much as they use to.
I created this schedule for a 5, 3 and 1 year old but it can be adjusted for older kids. Don't be afraid to start your routine a little at a time and to adjust as necessary. For me I struggle the most when a big life event happens like a new baby and then all the hormones hit you and trying to adjust to that new schedule. Anytime I would ask other moms how hard the adjustment was going from two to three kids they all said it was extremely hard. Now that I had my third 14 months ago I have been able to see what was the hardest part or me personally. A few things that I wish I had knows is to have a schedule and be consistent. By doing so things may have not been as hard. It would have forced me to be more productive and not sit around as much. We can go into more detail but long story short having a schedule not only helps your kids but it helps you. See the schedule before I created with a close friend.
For the mornings I found that I am most productive first thing. These things are a must when starting my day out right: Wake up, shower, do my makeup, put on a motivational podcast, and start my cleaning list for that day. I always start out by doing what ever I can't do when the kids are up. You can find my cleaning schedule here. If I can do those things and prioritize first, then I can be the mom that I need to be for my kids. I have noticed by doing this schedule that I am more patient and I have been much happier. If you struggle with routine and know that you need to find a friend to do it along with you so that you can be held accountable and make the transition a little bit easier, it did for me and I hope it does for you.
Below you can find the activity theme for that day to make planning a little bit easier. Each day has a theme. You can adjust the days that work for you, this just made sense with our schedule here at home. Fridays we saved to pick whatever we wanted so that my husband can be able to join us.
Not sure what to pick for each day? No worries I created a list of fun activities to pick for the day.
Things my husband and I really wanted to teach our kids is the importance of service and learning through activities. Below you can find some ideas to help plan out your day for each day.
I would love to know what you think about this post and any other suggestions that you have found for a schedule that works for you with little ones.
DOWNLOAD the PDF for Summer Schedule/Activites here.
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