First things first, breathe, you’ve got this! I know it’s daunting looking at the next few weeks without your usual routine but it’ll be ok.
The major thing I would say to have a natural rhythm at home is to work out a daily routine. Children love routine as they then know what to expect and get the most out of their day and it is helpful to you as it gives you breathing space to get on with chores, relaxing or doing some hobbies of your own without the need to ‘entertain’ the kids all day. You may already have a routine in place but if you don’t, here’s a suggestion*: 7am: Wake-up time. Make drinks for the kids and a cuppa for you 7:30/45am: Have Breakfast After Breakfast, clear away the table together (clean under highchair and wipe down table) 8:15/30am: Family Activity (Toys, Colouring, etc.) Chores (e.g. Clothes Washing, Dish Washer) [Morning nap] 9:30am: Self-Directed Play (set them up with an activity to do on their own) 10:30am: Family Activity 11:30/45am: Lunchtime [Midday Nap or] Chill Out Time** After Chill Out Time, if other children sleeping, take this chance to have 1-to-1 time with the other child (e.g. reading or if they're older having small toys/puzzles out on the floor whilst younger siblings can't come over and chew on them!) 2:30pm: Family Activity [Afternoon Nap] 4pm: Self-Directed Play (whilst you make the Tea)/Make the tea together 4:45pm: If Tea needs to be left to cook for a while unattended (e.g. in the Oven), Family Activity while you wait (e.g. Music) 5/5:30pm: Tea-time (try to sit down together even if adults are eating later). Chat together as you eat (maybe see if they can remember what they’ve been doing today!) After Tea, Family Worship Time***. Then clear away the table together (clean under the highchair and wipe down table) 6:30pm: Bath-time/ Quiet Play in their room (this can be on their own or with you) 6:45/7pm: Bedtime Routine I realise that as I write this, I fail horribly with this routine already. However the main thing is that I’m learning to parent better every day and that includes learning how to structure my day better (before children my job meant I worked later in the evenings, so naturally I didn’t get up early in the mornings and some long relaxing days were spent on the X-Box with ice cream for dinner! Also, anyone who knows me, knows I have always struggled with the housework [mostly because I often dislike/can’t be bothered to do it] but now in being a housewife and Mama I’m learning to love and care for my family in new ways. I know I’m not always going to get it right but each day is a new day and that I believe is a wonderful gift from God (I’m glad that bad times have to end just the same as the good ones!) So, even when being at home all day might be tough know that I’m praying for us all and like all cheesy movies say, let’s start this adventure together. *I know this won't suit everyone as I know for instance wake-up times can vary massively but as I've said, I give this just as a suggestion. **Chill Out Time: [Link for blog post] ***Family Worship Time [Link for blog post]
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