This post is the 4th in a series from a talk I gave about my routine ideas to our monthly GEMS® meeting along with a panel of Moms from different life situations. I have discussed the many aspects of my personal “why” and “how” of a daily routine, now I’d like to share a little about my internal conflict about routine.

My husband and I are both Choleric temperaments dominantly and Sanguines secondly. For those who haven’t taken a temperaments class, that means in short terms we are both opinionated, bossy, loud, get it done, leader types with a streak of life of the party.

Here’s how this plays out for me as a Mom- on one shoulder I have Choleric Compulsive Connie who wants a clean house, obedient child, and successful life right now. On the other shoulder there is Crazy Cool Connie who just wants to have fun. Of course Isabelle and Crazy Cool Mommy together means “Girls just wanna have FUN”, right!

There are days when I wake up and I just don’t ‘feel’ like doing my routine. I mean it would be so much more “fun” and “cool” to go to the park, then the mall, and eat fast food. Compulsive Connie warns me but I don’t listen, and Cool Connie is so happy about all the fun we are going to have today. Skipping chores, timers, and just going with the flow of “Fun Day”.

SO at the end of my super fun day reality sets in and Compulsive Connie (and hubby) is irritated. Why is the house such a mess? Why is my daughter not obeying and crying!

Ahhhh…I remember now-Girls just wanna have fun means training and house work just doesn’t get done!

So to solve this daily internal battle I plan a little fun every day, something small for both of us to look forward to when we “have the freedom to” do it. Then weekly we plan a big fun family outing.

This plan of balancing both training and “fun” time brings Compulsive Connie and Cool Connie together to become “Calm and Collected” Connie. The routine provides checks and balances to my life so I can accomplish my goals for myself and my family while also thoroughly enjoying the time I have with my daughter.

The reason I share this part of me with you is so you will see how normal I am, and not every day is perfect!

Let me end with this from Ecclesiastes 3, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.” May God help us all to wisely use the time He has given us with our children, both in training and in fun!