Friday, October 5, 2012

Nothin' Fancy Friday: Routines!

After almost 3 years of being a mom, I think I have finally found my groove!  Being a former teacher, I recognize how important routine and schedules are for kids - and adults, too!  I'd like to share what is working well for our family in this season of life.  Ben will be 3 on the 23rd and Gigi is nearly 13 months old. 

** On Tuesdays Ben is in a FREE Co-Op Preschool from 9am-11:30am (more on that in a later post)
** On Wednesdays we do FREE Story Time at the Library from 11-11:30am
** On Thursdays I have a Mom's Group from 9am-11:30am ($90/8 weeks) 

So it isn't the "same old routine" everyday, and I'm not spending a fortune on things to do outside of the house.  If we don't leave the house, this is what our day typically looks like:
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Wake - 7am: Ben stays in his room until the "orange sun" turns on (we got him the Good Nite Lite)

7:00-7:30: TV time (Gigi usually wakes up during this time)

7:30-8:00: Breakfast & Clean Up

8:00-8:30:  Storytime/Books

8:30-9:00: Playroom (We also do calendar & the monthly Bible verse during this time)

9:00-10:00: Art/Instruction with Ben [Gianna goes down for her morning nap around 9am]

10:00-11:00:  Sesame Street (Gigi is still asleep, Mommy has time to clean, do laundry, etc)

11:00-11:30: Lunch & Clean Up

11:30-1:00pm: Outside Play/Errands/Playdates

1:00-3:00: Nap time/Quiet Time

3:00-3:15: Afternoon Snack

3:15-4:15: Playroom (we listen to Toddler Radio, have tea parties, wrestle, etc)

4:15-5:00: TV time (this is when I prepare/make dinner)

5:00-5:30: Dinner & Clean Up

5:30-6:30: Time with Daddy

6:30-7:00: Bath Time then Playroom

7:00-7:30: Bedtime Routines

7:30pm: Lights Out!
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There you have it.  I have to admit, I first created this routine to help the kids but I really feel it has helped me and keeps the day flowing instead of having those days you swear time is standing still! Take it, tweak it, use it.  Routines are the way to go! 

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