Finding a Weekly Rhythm of Routine

Sometimes, predictability offers the greatest comfort. But that doesn’t have to mean a rigid adherence to a day-in and day-out schedule. Instead of creating a schedule that looks the same every weekday, look for your family’s weekly rhythm of routine.

• Do you need to start strong? Then protect Mondays as a day to buckle down and attack the week.
• Does the midweek hump reduce focus to nothingness? Regularly make games, field trips, or hands-on learning activities a part of the Wednesday or Thursday plan.
• Do you find that at least one day every week tends to be “interrupted” by the need for errands, appointments, or interaction with friends? Turn the interruption into routine by planning for it! Pick a “running about” day for each week, and, as often as possible, try to schedule on-the-go activities for that day of the week.

Refreshing Your Rhythm of Routine

Is the routine getting a bit, well, routine? Focus more on paying attention to your family’s signals than on sticking to the daily plan. Perhaps today is the day to take school on the road, enjoying picnic blankets in the park instead of seats at the dining room table. Or maybe that history lesson will be better learned through a field trip or living book than through the normal lesson plan. Don’t be afraid to break the mold by shaking things up a bit!

It’s also helpful to keep your rhythm of routine light and flexible by incorporating a little play into your day. Use games instead of math drills. Turn housework into a lighthearted contest. Let some dance fun lighten up PE. Play not only makes the mundane more fun, it also solidifies learning!

Do you prefer to plan by the clock or in blocks? Take our Planner Personality Quiz to discover your planner personality type and find other tips for building a solid rhythm of routine.