We are trying out our new little routine here. It seems to be working! I thrive on routine, Ava is a free spirit, follower type. I decided that some how we will find a balance. It has just taken a while. 2 years actually. So, we've got a pretty good rhythm going on. We have found that the active/quiet type schedule works for us. (I use the word "schedule" very loosely).
First of all, no tv or electronics until school is completed.
Our "schedule"
-eat breakfast, get ready for the day (this includes some chores)
-Bible Time 8:30
-Break at 9:00 (Daddy calls, kids can play)
-Circle Time at 9:30 (weather, calendar, science book, songs, etc)
-Snack
-Table Time (workbooks, phonics, math, coloring, etc)
-Lunch
-Chores
-Quiet time (both rest and watch 1 show, Liam sleeps, Ava finishes her "homework")
-Snack 2:30
-Play
-Clean up/get ready for Daddy/active play (games, kinect,etc)
We usually fit all this in between 7:30-3:30 and we watch an extra little one on most days. This really works to help them to know what to expect. They are not surprised by having to help out because it's part of the normal routine. I also like it because they are more motivated to get dressed and ready early so they can play before Bible time. It works out for me to have a great quiet time, too! Of course, everyday there are bumps in the road. Some days I cannot keep Liam off the counters. Some days Ava takes a looooong time to finish her work. Some days they manage to "forget" what jobs they have. :) But I find that consistency and boundaries along with gentle reminders and understood consequences are a great help. Of course, we've been practicing this whole parenting thing for almost 7 1/2years now!
And not every day looks the same:
Monday and Tuesday- "normal" school days
Wednesday- Art and science project days
Thursday- Visit my grandparents and have lunch with them. I want my children to learn to serve others and this is a great way to start! We do reading in the afternoon.
Friday- Lunch with friends (and this is also the day we wash sheets so they get to take off all the sheet of all the beds. They love it. haha)
And then there are the days when we have very unexpected things happen...like last minute trips to the vet. :(
First of all, no tv or electronics until school is completed.
Our "schedule"
-eat breakfast, get ready for the day (this includes some chores)
-Bible Time 8:30
-Break at 9:00 (Daddy calls, kids can play)
-Circle Time at 9:30 (weather, calendar, science book, songs, etc)
-Snack
-Table Time (workbooks, phonics, math, coloring, etc)
-Lunch
-Chores
-Quiet time (both rest and watch 1 show, Liam sleeps, Ava finishes her "homework")
-Snack 2:30
-Play
-Clean up/get ready for Daddy/active play (games, kinect,etc)
We usually fit all this in between 7:30-3:30 and we watch an extra little one on most days. This really works to help them to know what to expect. They are not surprised by having to help out because it's part of the normal routine. I also like it because they are more motivated to get dressed and ready early so they can play before Bible time. It works out for me to have a great quiet time, too! Of course, everyday there are bumps in the road. Some days I cannot keep Liam off the counters. Some days Ava takes a looooong time to finish her work. Some days they manage to "forget" what jobs they have. :) But I find that consistency and boundaries along with gentle reminders and understood consequences are a great help. Of course, we've been practicing this whole parenting thing for almost 7 1/2years now!
And not every day looks the same:
Monday and Tuesday- "normal" school days
Wednesday- Art and science project days
Thursday- Visit my grandparents and have lunch with them. I want my children to learn to serve others and this is a great way to start! We do reading in the afternoon.
Friday- Lunch with friends (and this is also the day we wash sheets so they get to take off all the sheet of all the beds. They love it. haha)
And then there are the days when we have very unexpected things happen...like last minute trips to the vet. :(
 |
| One of those bumps in our day...how to keep clothes on a 2 year old. |
 |
| My little helper! |
 |
| She finds it hard to focus when... |
 |
| her brother is building roads nearby. |
 |
| Unexpected event of the day. Waiting at the vet for Piper. |
 |
| This 9 month old boxer puppy was completely sedated for her minor procedure. |
 |
| And they were excellent at the vet, so we made some root beer as a treat (Yay for HFCS free, caffeine free Soda Stream products!) |
 |
| Poor puppy. I carried her in and put her in a quiet room. She fumbled, stumbled and made her way to where the kids were. She must be near them at all times! |