Routines

[MelissaD]

I was doing some thinking on the looong car ride this past weekend. The happiest "real" job I ever had was very routine oriented. I inherited the position from a hyper-organized gal. There were daily check list, list on the order in which things needed to be done and files for *everything*. I had a real sense of accomplishment when everything was checked off and I could move on to other things.

Fast forward 10 years, I'm a homeschooling mom with 3 young kids and no routine. I've tried to create my own but I'm never happy with them. Is it possible to have a routine while homeschooling young kids? Anyone have a routine that works that they would like to share? Any thoughts on where to go to create something that will really work, not just look good on paper?

Melissa

[Sue G in PA]

I'm hoping for some "miracle routines", too! Anybody? My ds6 really NEEDS a routine b/c of spec. needs issues and I am just so inept at sticking to them. Creating them? No problem! Sticking to them? Ummm...not happening. Our basic routine has been wake up, do chores, eat breakfast, do core subjects, eat lunch, have hour break do History/Science and read. Basic, bare bones, no time limit schedule/routine. I'm with you...I need something more that will actually work...not just look good in Excel!

[CookieMonster]

I have discovered, through lots and lots of trial and error, that yes I need a routine and it looks nothing like a routine looked before I had kids. And that, my friend, was the hardest thing to figure out.

Instead of a real, tight schedule I have to have a list of things to do "within a certain amount of time". I have a list of housekeeping things that need to be done within a day. But I do not have a set time that any of them need to be done. Life with small children is just too unpredictable. You can't schedule unexpected trips to wipe unbelieveably stinky diapers.

Here's the checklist (http://onemomsfunjourney.blogspot.com/2008/01/this-floats-my-boat.html) I use. The only rule I have is that if I don't get something done each day, I drop it. I don't beat myself up about it. I move on and go on to the next day.

Here's how I scheduled my day (http://onemomsfunjourney.blogspot.com/2008/03/weekly-report_14.html)when I was teaching a kindergartner, a second grader, and watching a toddler, and a preschooler.

[Just Me]

Cookie Monster - you have mail!

TIA!