If you’re anything like me, juggling the homeschooling of three energetic boys and in general young children can sometimes be so overwhelming. Between the teaching, snack breaks, constant tidying up of little people and cooking, it can feel like the day is running us instead of the other way around. But fear not! I’m here to share some tips on how to build a home schedule that actually works—at least most of the time.
Be flexible
First things first, let’s talk about flexibility. As much as I love the idea of a perfectly structured day, with every minute accounted for, I’ve learned that life with kids, especially boys, just doesn’t work that way. There’s always going to be something that throws a wrench into our plans, whether it’s spilled food, an unexpected discovery of a “treasure” in the garden, or a tired and unmotivated gloom of the day. So, while it’s important to have a schedule, it’s equally important to hold it loosely. I like to think of our schedule now as more of a guideline than a strict timetable.
Create blocks of time
One thing that has been a game-changer for us is creating blocks of time instead of specific time slots. For example, we have a morning block for our core subjects like devotion, maths, reading, penmanship etc, an afternoon block for creative activities, and an evening block for family time. This way, if we spend a little extra time on a science experiment (or cleaning up from said experiment), it doesn’t throw the whole day off. It gives us the flexibility to dive deeper into subjects that capture the boys’ interest without feeling rushed.
Another tip is to incorporate plenty of breaks. Boys, in particular, seem to have an endless supply of energy, and expecting them to sit still for hours on end is a recipe for disaster (I’ve tried and learnt my lesson)! We do short bursts of focused learning followed by movement breaks. This may mean a quick game of hide and seek, a workout break, a few minutes on the trampoline, or even a spontaneous dance party in the living room with a Youtube video. These breaks help them burn off energy and come back to their work refreshed and ready to concentrate. I’ll always communicate to them and let them know what’s coming next in the day. This helps to prevent tantrums and resistance when it’s time to move on to the next activity.
Time for ourselves
It’s also crucial to build in some time for ourselves – even though most of the time it feels absolutely impossible! This season simply doesn’t permit me to have my free time as I would like all the time so I am learning that it is possible to infuse things that I enjoy throughout my day. Considering this as self care really helps me to know that I am not counting myself out of the family schedule and planning.
Whether it’s a quiet cup of tea before the boys wake up, a quick workout, some time spent in prayer and reflection, spraying a little perfume, a 5 minute make up routine, or putting on smart clothes for the day, taking care of ourselves even in the littlest way helps us to take better care of our families Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup. So, carve out those moments of rest and rejuvenation whenever you can.
Use tools to stay on track
Using tools to stay on track can be incredibly helpful in maintaining a sense of order in the home. I have found that keeping a family calendar on the fridge helps everyone stay informed about daily plans and responsibilities. Additionally, a simple to-do list or planner can bring structure to the day and prevent tasks from feeling overwhelming. Personally, I enjoy using a prayer journal alongside my schedule—it not only keeps me organized but also allows me to reflect on God’s presence in my day-to-day life. Whether it’s a digital app or a traditional planner, having a system in place makes a big difference in staying consistent and finding peace amidst the busy routine.
Reassess and adjust regularly
Reassessing and adjusting regularly is crucial to maintaining a healthy and sustainable home schedule. It’s one of the things that I really struggled with initially, but the reality is that life is constantly changing—children grow, schedules shift, and unexpected circumstances arise. Taking time each month or even each week to evaluate what’s working and what’s causing stress can make a big difference. I like to pray over my schedule, asking God for wisdom to discern what needs to be adjusted. If a routine is feeling burdensome, it might be time to simplify or delegate tasks. Being flexible allows for grace in our daily lives, ensuring that our schedule serves us rather than us becoming slaves to it. Adjustments are not signs of failure but of growth and intentionality in creating a home filled with peace and joy.
So there you are! A few tips which I hope you’ll find helpful and encouraging. Building a home schedule that works is all about finding what fits your family’s rhythm and being willing to adjust as needed. With a little planning, a lot of flexibility, and a healthy dose of humor, you can create a routine that keeps everyone learning, laughing, and loving the homeschooling and home life. Keep up the great work, mama! You’ve got this.
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