As much as we seem to boycott the idea structure in our lives, we actually need it, especially children. And studies prove that. We cannot control a lot that is going on in our world, but we can create routines which helps lower anxiety and the stress of so many unknowns.
Everyone is different and every one functions differently in their homes, so it is about finding a balance that works for you.
Below are some suggestions on how you can set up your daily routine.
- Start by hosting a Family Meeting. Discuss the changes that are taking place in our city. It is important for children to share their worries and concerns about what is happening. Family meetings increase communication, improve productivity, and lower stress.
- As a family, braindump a list in-home activities your children want to do in the upcoming weeks. Life is going to look different for everyone for the next few weeks or possibly months.
- Discuss chores and responsibilities. Have your children create a list of ways they can be helpful around the house.
- As a family, create a daily routine and post it. Be easy on yourself. Celebrate any successes of the days.
- Use a timer to keep you focused. Timers are great with those who struggled with time management.
- Limit screen time and social media. Be careful that screens do not dominate your day. Balance is the goal.
- Turn off your cell phones and other electronics during activity/reading times. It is important to be fully present for your children.
CREATING A DAILY ROUTINE
It might be helpful to set up your day in chunks or blocks of time based on a theme.
Just the act of writing something down increases your chances of actually doing it. Give yourself grace and patience if you are note able to get through all of these suggestions.
BLOCKING OUT YOUR DAY
Option 1:
- Exercise/Walk
- Academic/Work
- Creative Play
- Food prep/meals
- Chores/Organizing
- Quiet time-rest/read
- Games/Activities
- Screen time
Option 2:
EARLY MORNING | SCHOOLWORK / CREATIVE PLAY |
MID MORNING | EXERCISE / OUTDOOR PLAY |
EARLY AFTERNOON | REST / READING |
LATE AFTERNOON | CHORES |
EARLY EVENING | GAMES / SCREENTIME |
BEDTIME | READING |
DAILY ROUTINE EXAMPLE FOR YOUNGER KIDS
7am-8am-Breakfast 8:30am-9:30am-Playroom/Toy time/Clean up from breakfast 9:30am-9:45am–Clean up 9:45am-11am-Outside Play/School work 11:00am-11:15am-Clean up 11:15pm-12:15pm-Screen time/Prep lunch 12:15pm-1pm-Lunch 1:00pm-2:15pm-Craft activity 1:00pm-3:30pm-Nap for little ones 1:00pm-2:00pm-Reading Time/School work | 2:00pm-2:15pm-Clean up 2:15pm-3:30pm-Family Game time 3:30pm-5:00pm-Outside free play/Prep dinner 5:00-5:15pm–Clean up 5:15pm-5:45pm-Showers/Get ready for bed 6:00pm-6:30pm-Dinner 6:45pm-7pm-Family Night walk 7:00pm-7:30pm-Book Time 7:30pm-Lights out |
DAILY ROUTINE EXAMPLE FOR OLDER KIDS
9am-Breakfast 9:30am-9:45am–Clean up 9:45-11am-School work 11:00am-11:15am-Clean up 11:15pm-12:15pm-Screen time/Prep lunch 12:15pm-1pm-Lunch 1:00pm-2:15pm-Schoolwork 2:00pm-2:15pm-Clean up | 2:15pm-3:30pm-Game time 3:30pm-5:00pm-Outside free play/Exercise 5:00-5:15pm–Clean up 5:15pm-5:45pm-Showers 6:00pm-6:30pm-Dinner 6:45pm-7pm-Family Night walk 7:00pm-7:30pm-Reading 8pm-Lights out |
SAMPLE WEEKLY SCHEDULE
MONDAY | Breakfast: Cereal/Smoothie LAUNDRY Organize playroom/bedrooms Dinner: Mexican | Notes: |
TUESDAY | Breakfast: French toast/eggs/sausage Take out trash Dinner: American | |
WEDNESDAY | Breakfast: Oatmeal w/ Flax, Peanut butter energy balls Organize drawers Dinner: Leftovers | |
THURSDAY | Breakfast: Pancakes/Chia Pudding LAUNDRY-wash sheets Dinner: Asian | |
FRIDAY | Breakfast: Cereal/Smoothie Organize closets Dinner: Pizza | |
SATURDAY | Breakfast: Waffles/ Hard boiled eggs Dinner: Leftovers | |
SUNDAY | Breakfast: Cinnamon Rolls, Smoothies Organize specific room Dinner: Nachos, Broccoli, Sweet Potatoes |