Daily Routines and Listmaking.

It's amazing how much more sane one becomes with a set routine. I have read from several sources recently that daily routines are essential for a child, especially toddlers, and most especially, boys. When my children are older, I plan to fashion printed routines for them as well.I have been in routine limbo for over a month while my husband has been on night shift. But there is light at the end of the tunnel! He should be back on a normal schedule this week! Hooray! In view of that fact, I have printed up my routine in a pretty font with a picture that makes me happy just by looking at it. (You should have things like that scattered through out your home by the way- things that make you smile. Makes life less dreary.) For purposes of inspiring you to create your own routine, here is mine:

Daily Routine

1. Wake up, pray, make the bed.
2. Wash up, makeup, hair, get dressed.
3. Wipe down bathrooms.
4. Empty dishwasher.
5. Wash, dry, fold, & put away one load of laundry.
6. Dress kids, feed them breakfast.
7. What’s for dinner? (clean up as you go)
8. Chore of the day (let children help).
9. Playtime and school!
10. Lunch, then nap/ quiet time.
11. Declutter for 15 minutes.
12. Free/ “working” time.
13. Dinner- then shine your sink!
14. Kids- bathe, brush teeth, story time, prayers, bed.
15. Hot Spots for 2 minutes.
16. Exercise for 20 minutes.
17. Lay out clothes for tomorrow.
18. Shower, brush teeth, pampering, bed!


Maybe I am slightly retarded, but I can function much better when I can see on paper what it is I need to do. I keep running lists of things I need to do, places I need to go, etc. As a mother of three children, I can only remember so much at one time, so it is best that I write things down. I have forgotten so many things because I tried to rely on the strength of my memory- not smart. Most of the time I just write things I need to remember on whatever stray piece of paper happens to be within striking range, but it would be nice to have a pretty notepad to write on (another thing to make you smile). I saw some adorable clipboards with matching paper at Hobby Lobby the other day- just you wait until they have 40% off coupons on their website again!