I am a huge believer in setting regular routines with the kids. In the long run it makes everyone happy. I’m not saying you can’t deviate every once in a while. Although sticking to a plan allows your children to know what is expected from them and causes less arguments when it is time to turn out the lights.
Since I already shared what a typical morning looks like for us I will now share a typical evening in our home…
5:15-6:15 pm: Prepare and eat dinner.
6:15-6:30 pm: Clean up after dinner. Make sure lunchboxes are out for the next day. Oldest son empties dishwasher if he hasn’t done so already.
6:30-6:45 pm: I take the dog for a walk with or without the kids. This goes much quicker without the kids. :)
6:45-7:45 pm: The younger kids play inside or outside, usually climbing on Daddy. My oldest son uses this time for homework if he did not do it after school. Usually it is done after school unless it is math, in that case Daddy gets to help.
7:45-8:30 pm: Shower time! The kids get showered up and off to bed. The younger two get stories and fall asleep by 8:45.
It is 9:30 now and I am writing this post, and hubby has gone to bed. He wakes up at 4am so he doesn’t make it too far past 9:30 on a weeknight! I don’t either lately, funny what 3 kids will do to you.
I know exciting stuff right? I know routines don’t sound fun but I feel it’s necessary to give your family some sort of guideline to go on. Choose a schedule that works for you. You might prefer doing some of your morning chores like packing lunches the night before. I prefer to do them in the morning. I find that in this season in my life I prefer to wake up before the kids and not stay up as late at night. Believe me this has been a very gradual process, I am NOT a morning person. I have found that this just works better for us.
If you need help establishing more routines in your home Mandi shared some great tips to help you get started.
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I’m getting so excited to get back into a regular routine. The relaxing summer has it’s charms, but I love the changing ‘seasons of life’ too. My eldest (4) starts preschool in September 2 days a week. We are BOTH excited!! Should be an easy transition for him as he’s been attending a MDO program for two years at the same building, now he’ll just be upstairs. How old are you’re kiddos? ;)
My oldest son is 8 and in the 3rd grade, and my youngest son (4) is in preschool two days a week. My daughter is 2 months away from being 3 and we are thinking about doing 2 days a week with her, too. She is becoming quite the social butterfly and I think it would be great for her. I love the changing seasons of life as well but I am so sad to see my daughter leaving the baby stage. No more babies will be a big adjustment!
This summer, we have been on no schedule or routine at all. So, next week, we are easing back into our school year routines. We really need it. We are getting lazy! During most of the year, our kids have morning and evening routines that make life so much easier for all of us.