Pockets of Rhythm

Are you someone who struggles with sticking to a routine? Do have great aspirations to start a schedule but can’t seem to stick to it because the schedule offers no flexibility?  Well, me too!! (And I have a sneaky suspicion that schedules are a hard thing for most people at home all day with little ones)

Get ready to start thinking of routines in a whole new light!  My sister-in-law introduced this concept to me when she found this blog post.  I even borrowed some of her “rhythm” ideas!

I love the concept that you DON’T need a great routine for your whole day! What you need are “pockets of tiny routines.”

How it works:

1.     Start with the worst part of your day

2.     What needs to happen?

3.     What would make the biggest difference time wise?

4.     Write down a routine.

5.     Visualize the routine. 

6.     Keep it simple!

Start small and start with just one routine. Once that has become a habit and it is running smoothly then you can move to your next routine.

When I first tried to think of the ‘worst” part of our day, I really didn’t know where to start because it all felt crazy and overwhelming with 2 boys 2 and under, but one issue was always getting the baby down for a morning nap and keeping the toddler occupied while I nursed the baby and got him to bed. So that is where I started.

The goal:

Get Titus to sit at the kitchen table with a quiet activity.

Visualize it!  If you have a non-reader pictures are helpful. If you children read then you could simply use words on a 3x5 card. Just remember, keep it simple! Most truly dynamic things are clothed in simplicity!

The fun thing is that Titus started looking forward to his morning routine/rhythm and was ready when the time came! No fighting or resistance!  He got used to the routine and loved this time.

I have tried the whole regimented routines and been left completely frustrated because there is no room for flexibility.  These rhythms allow me to have a general framework with flexibility!  Titus doesn’t know if it is 8:30 when we have our morning routine or if its 9:30.  He just knows that that is what we do after breakfast. So if we have a late morning or an early morning the time is irrelevant because his routines stay the same.

Give it a try! Warning! You just may see behavior improvement as you little ones gets settled into a rhythm. God designed us with a need for order and even our littles function better when they know what to expect and have structure!

I Corinthians 14:40

Let all things be done decently and in order.

The timer that I use I found on Amazon. 5 minute Timer.  20 minute Timer.

I hope this inspires someone and helps give structure to your day!  Life at home with littles isn't for the faint of heart!