Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Working Mom Routines...


I missed the official prompts for Working Mommy Wednesday but...

I was recently watching an episode of "Super Nanny" and was struck by the realization that the first piece of advice Jo offers to families is a Family Schedule.  Routines help kids know what to expect and I know they help me keep track of my busy family.

In my house, you wouldn't be able to point to the one routine that makes all things possible...depending on who's home and the situation, we have several.  The important thing is that we have the routines.

"Meeting Daddy at my School"  This is Aiden's least favorite routine.  Since my husband works 24 hour shifts, this routine involves Aiden waking up early to go to school with me.  Kyle works just down the street from where I work, so he picks Aiden up and takes him to school on the way home.  For the first time this year, Connar stays home until he leaves for the bus.

"Regular Mornings" Connar sets an alarm and is just getting up when I get home from the gym.  He makes his own breakfast and watches cartoons before he gets ready for school.  Kyle is getting up just as I am leaving and Aiden is usally getting up then too.  Aiden has to turn the TV off at 8:00 so that he can have breakfast and get ready for school.  It's kind of like a dance...and it works well for us.

"After School" This routine really depends on who's home and what's on the agenda for the afternoon.  The boys usually get 1 ticket of video games before homework.  Often a friend or friends are over to play.  In the spring and fall there's soccer practice.  When it's nice outside there's skateboarding and playing and when it's gloomy we often head to the indoor pool at the gym.

"Everyday Jobs and Baths" As dinner is winding down, Kyle or I make this pronouncement.  The boys take care of their jobs {in a timely manner} and hop in the shower or bath.  Kyle and I finish up laundry & dishes before the kids are done and then it's time for...

"Couch Time" This is my favorite time of the day.  Everyone's in their jammies and we all snuggle up on the couch to watch a show...usually something we've saved on the DVR.  It's cozy and calming for all of us.  From couch time we head upstairs for stories {Aiden} and reading until we fall asleep.

What routines make your family tick?

5 comments:

  1. You have a great routine and the kids know what to do, makes for an easy flowing evening :)

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  2. Oh how we juggle our kids to get them from a to b! Good to have a schedule though!

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  3. Great unprompted post! We love our bedtime and bathtime routine. And, I'm pretty proud that my first grader gets herself ready in the mornings for school for morning routine.

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  4. i love routines! and i love how your family seems to have a rhythm to it.... i can even feel it when i read it!!

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  5. Wow! I just found your personal blog - from your Science Mommy one - and all I can say is wow! It was such at the right time for me, as I'm a teacher too, and have just started staying home with my second baby. I worked after the first one was born, and this stay-at-home-mom thing has been quite a challenge as well as a blessing. Reading some of your previous posts, especially the Working Mom Wednesday ones, has really hit home with me. Thank you SO much for sharing your trials and celebrations!

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