Structure and Routine Tips

In conclusion of our series on “Structure and Routine”, I want to share some practical tips and things to consider when just starting a schedule. These tips may also be helpful for those who already have a schedule or routine in place.

First let’s define some terms!

Schedule: “A list of times of recurring events, projected operations, a time table”

Routine: “A group of regularly performed specific activities” In other words, if you always do the same thing in the same order it is a routine.

Here are my tips:

Pray and ask for guidance. “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” James 1:5-6
Start small, especially if having a schedule is new to you! Consider even starting with half a day and implement that first. Begin by writing down those “non negotiables” (like meals, naps, couch time, etc) and go from there.
Don’t try and take someone else’s schedule and make it fit you. Everyone is unique and chances are their schedule just won’t fit YOU. How exasperating! Use sample schedules for activity ideas and to find a format that works for you (IE. blocks, lists, or even an order of activities without times written beside everything).
Spend some time doing your “homework”. Make record of how you spend your time for a couple of days. Most importantly, time how long activities/chores take so you have a realistic idea and can plan accordingly in your schedule. Otherwise you’ll be frustrated trying to fit too much into time blocks and even into your day as a whole–We only have 24 hours in a day!
If you feel like you are “running to catch up” to the next thing in your schedule, then it’s likely that you haven’t scheduled enough time for each activity. This is where doing your homework (point above) is so essential!
You can plan a time for going out into your schedule for a certain time and day. I try to do the most important training first thing in the morning (like quiet time with God, sit time, and First Time Obedience practice) when my children are at their best. This also helps when I need to go out. We can plan for going out later in the morning after this training time.
The way I handle an unexpected outing is when we come home, we start where ever we are at in our routine rather than trying to “make up” and cram in what we missed while we were out.
I’ve found that sometimes a schedule ’seems’ not to work when in actuality it is my own self-control that is the issue. It takes a lot of self-control to walk away from the computer or other tasks (that may not be finished yet) and move on to the next thing that has to be done!
It can be helpful to have larger blocks of time. These larger blocks give a bit of breathing room rather than feeling like every minute is “scheduled”. Larger blocks of time can be especially helpful for those with a Sanguine or Phlegmatic temperament. You might even consider not having “blocks” at all! My Sanguine friend found blocks to be a huge hang up and found freedom in simply having a list of routines. If you haven’t yet, read Connie’s ideas where she says schedules “are impossible and frustrating” . She has a Sanguine personality.
Try to resist the urge to get your schedule/routines ‘perfect’ before actually using one! Our children always grow and change as do our family circumstances!