How To Set Up A Schedule With Kids (Part 1)

Since we are a homeschooling family our weekdays are pretty scheduled with school, activities, Bible study, dinner etc. activity. 
It seemed like we were always “doing” something but not getting anything done.

That is when I decided I needed a schedule.

 Before starting the schedule I felt out of control.  My days were running together with no sense of accomplishment.  Flexibility and spontaneity has always been part of my lifestyle, but recently since we have added our fourth child my need for a schedule became very apparant. With a lot on my plate and little time to get anything completed I researched many different ways of scheduling.  After looking at many ways to complete a schedule I finally decided on a recommendation from several  large families that homeschool. The book “Managers Of The Home” is a great way resource on how to create a schedule with step by step instructions, and a schedule building kit. 

My task was to decide what I needed to get done in a day, and at what times.

I have a 3 month old that I feed every 3 hours.  His schedule was written down first since his needs have to be met first.  After that, I wrote down the time we homeschool and naptimes.  These times are not negotiable in my day.

Next, I had to figure out my cleaning routines, extra-curricular activities and Bible study times. 

The last item to add on my schedule was breakfast, dinner and lunchtime. After everything was written down, I needed to figure out what I “wanted” to do such as blogging, sewing, or reading.

The most important part of making a schedule is realizing that it is your schedule and you can’t borrow or print one from someone else.  It has to be what goes on and happens in your day.  To use it  and make it work take your time putting it together.

What does your day look like?  Do you have a schedule?  Leave your tips and comments below to help other readers with ideas!