subject: End The Day Your Way - Redefining Routines [print this page] End The Day Your Way - Redefining Routines
So why is it that some parts of the day seem to go fine, while other times just fall apart? And they don't just fall apart once they fall apart day after day after day. If this sounds familiar, chances are there is a routine in your day that requires a bit of tweaking.
Many of us overlook the fact that each separate part of our daily lives requires its own routine. If you think about it, it makes sense. Each part of the day has its own rhythms and activities afternoons are for sports, activities, homework and dinner preparation; meanwhile, after dinner is a time for homework, relaxing, and preparing for bed.
In order to make these routines as efficient as possible, it is most effective to design them around your children's natural rhythms. All children have their own unique rhythm, and they will thrive when their day is focused on order, regularity and rhythms that keep in time with them.
Finding the right rhythm may take some time. Here are some ideas to get you going,
Identify what you want your after school and evening routines to look and feel like.
Identify what you do now that works, and what isn't working.
Identify what your kids can do for themselves and what you would like them to be able to do.
Develop a plan for your routine that takes into account your child's needs, leaves room for their growth, as well as a little flexibility for the unexpected and try it out.
You won't know if a routine will work for your family until you try it out. Worst case, it isn't quite right and you have some tweaking to do. The best case is a calm, connected family that navigates sports, activities, homework, dinner and bedtime with ease.
