Stay at Home Schedules and Routines

[youngspiritmom]

Hello lovelies!

We're just coming home from a long vacation, and my hubby is about to go back to work (he's a teacher) which means my long haul as a SAHM is about to begin again. As we all know, the days can get winding and exhausting, the house can get messy and entrapping, and things sometimes get out of control!!

But....routines and schedules often leave me feeling prepared and with a sense of peace. Or at least they keep me from going insane.

I'd love to know what schedule/routine works for you. I want to update mine. I have one 18 month old boy. Our main *ideal* schedule (ahem - I don't always wake up as early as I'd like) is something like...

6am Mommy wakes up - gets things done
8am Baby up
8:30 Breakfast, play
9:30-11:30 Mom to gym, baby to gym daycare
11:45 Lunch
12:30 Nap
2:30 Go out - Playgroup, errands, park etc.
4:30 Start thinking about dinner - hardest time of day... usually pop on a movie for my little guy if he's not interested in pretending to cook with me, but I always HATE doing that
6:00 Daddy home, plays with Baby while mommy finishes cooking
6:30 Eat Dinner
7:00 baby gets bath (sometimes) with one parent while other cleans kitchen, jammies
7:30 Family reading time (in summer - play outside)
8:30 Brush teeth, read book, sing Twinkle Twinkle, Go to bed
9:00 I get some time alone to read, or spend with my husband, or sleep

Repeat lol

Please share your routines, ideas, even routines relating to cleaning, cooking, laundry lol I'm really craving some new ideas here. THanks a million

[Learning_Mum]

I don't have too much of a routine. It's basically:

7am (ish) - Get up, try and wake up, get boys breakfast etc
8.30am - Leave to take DS1 to kindy. Hang out at kindy for a while.
9.30am - Home again. DS2 plays while I do the housework
Midday - Collect DS1 from kindy. Come home, have lunch.
Midday - 4.30pm - Muck around. Kids play. We might have some friends over. Usually at about 3pm, if we're home alone, I put on some cartoons.
4.30pm - Start dinner
5pm - Eat
5.30pm - Bathtime
6.30pm - DS2 in bed.
7.30pm - DS1 in bed
8pm - Mama is off duty. I'll usually watch telly, play on the internet, read etc until I go to bed around 10.30pm.
10.30pm - Dreamfeed DS2. SLEEP!

ETA: DS1 is 4yo, DS2 is 2yo

[Naomismom]

I am a SAHM to a 4yo and a 2yo with another on the way.

6:30ish: DS wakes me up
7:00 DD wakes up
7:30 read books on couch together
8-9:30 breakfast, chores, and getting ready for the day
10-noon: activity outside of home (playgroup, library, zoo, museum, park, pool, etc.) I'm not a homebody!
12: make and eat lunch, let kids play for a bit
1:00: naps
3:30: both kids wake up and we all lounge around until I start making dinner around 4:30.
6:00 dinner and DH home (if he's coming home, usually 5 nights per week)
6:45: start baths
7:30 put kids to bed
8:00 they are finally quiet and I get time to do whatever
9:00 I take a shower
10:00 lights out

[treeoflife3]

I'm a SAHM to an almost 17mo and I don't currently have a schedule. The only things for sure is that she'll wake up around 7am and nap sometime between 12 and 1 til about 1-3. She likes lunch AFTER naptime though even when she goes down later. dinner is about 6 and bedtime is about 730-8.

I really need a schedule. I really need FRIENDS. I also don't really know how to get involved with things around town to go out and do things and embarrassingly, I'm one of those moms who gets BORED doing things alone with a kid who doesn't really talk yet. parks are just no fun for me alone with her. *sigh*

as for getting things done.. I just fit them in as necessary. I try to do a load of laundry every single day so I can stay on top of it and I vacuum every day. Everything else just happens whenever we can get to it.

[youngspiritmom]

Originally Posted by treeoflife3

I'm a SAHM to an almost 17mo and I don't currently have a schedule. The only things for sure is that she'll wake up around 7am and nap sometime between 12 and 1 til about 1-3. She likes lunch AFTER naptime though even when she goes down later. dinner is about 6 and bedtime is about 730-8.

I really need a schedule. I really need FRIENDS. I also don't really know how to get involved with things around town to go out and do things and embarrassingly, I'm one of those moms who gets BORED doing things alone with a kid who doesn't really talk yet. parks are just no fun for me alone with her. *sigh*

as for getting things done.. I just fit them in as necessary. I try to do a load of laundry every single day so I can stay on top of it and I vacuum every day. Everything else just happens whenever we can get to it.

Tree of life - I feel you! I'll be your friend We can be online friends! I know the feeling. Part of the reason I love mothering.com is that it makes me feel like I have people out there somewhere that are interested in the things I am and going through what I'm going through.

I forced myself to have a schedule and to GO OUT after a year of feeling lonely and bored. I force myself to wash my face, get dressed, and put on a little makeup everyday. It makes such a big difference. Call anyone you know and ask them to go out to lunch or walk around the mall with you lol! I actually read a book called "The Moms Town Guide to being a stay a home mom : a life makeover" (something like that) which encouraged me to go out and do things, go to the gym etc. and try to make friends.

I think if you draft a schedule of things YOU would like to do and things you think your baby would like to do and try to have times everyday where you do those, you will feel better. Also maybe research playgroups, parenting support places/groups etc. in your community. I know that sounds lame but it really has helped me.

ideas (from a list a friend sent me):
have dance parties
play instruments
blow bubbles
scoop toys out of water
climb on things
go for walks
stand around and watch people outside our apartment LOL
read books
go to the library
go to a parenting place/support group center/community center
go swimming at the rec center
go to classes, sometimes (baby sign language, toddler dancing or music)
hang out in parks
go hiking, go play at outdoor centers around town
play outside, play outside
seek out ofther mom and dad friends (find your tribe online?)
go to the gym

Hope this helps!
Others - please post more schedules. I would love to see any Waldorf-inspired routines....I know that philosophy is big on daily routines as instituted by the mother

[treeoflife3]

Originally Posted by youngspiritmom

Tree of life - I feel you! I'll be your friend We can be online friends! I know the feeling. Part of the reason I love mothering.com is that it makes me feel like I have people out there somewhere that are interested in the things I am and going through what I'm going through.

I forced myself to have a schedule and to GO OUT after a year of feeling lonely and bored. I force myself to wash my face, get dressed, and put on a little makeup everyday. It makes such a big difference. Call anyone you know and ask them to go out to lunch or walk around the mall with you lol! I actually read a book called "The Moms Town Guide to being a stay a home mom : a life makeover" (something like that) which encouraged me to go out and do things, go to the gym etc. and try to make friends.

I think if you draft a schedule of things YOU would like to do and things you think your baby would like to do and try to have times everyday where you do those, you will feel better. Also maybe research playgroups, parenting support places/groups etc. in your community. I know that sounds lame but it really has helped me.

ideas (from a list a friend sent me):
have dance parties
play instruments
blow bubbles
scoop toys out of water
climb on things
go for walks
stand around and watch people outside our apartment LOL
read books
go to the library
go to a parenting place/support group center/community center
go swimming at the rec center
go to classes, sometimes (baby sign language, toddler dancing or music)
hang out in parks
go hiking, go play at outdoor centers around town
play outside, play outside
seek out ofther mom and dad friends (find your tribe online?)
go to the gym

Hope this helps!
Others - please post more schedules. I would love to see any Waldorf-inspired routines....I know that philosophy is big on daily routines as instituted by the mother

well, my problem is that I only know two people here. One spanks and yells a LOT and I get stressed out being around her too often (plus it makes me really really sad for her kiddos) and the other is nice but can get to be too much too. I have no clue how to make other friends other than going to frg meetings (husband is army) and almost all the women I've met are just more people I don't care to spend time with. I have no clue how to even FIND play groups and stuff!
I do keep meaning to go to the story times at the library. I always forget though.

[flatstanley72]

Originally Posted by treeoflife3

well, my problem is that I only know two people here. One spanks and yells a LOT and I get stressed out being around her too often (plus it makes me really really sad for her kiddos) and the other is nice but can get to be too much too. I have no clue how to make other friends other than going to frg meetings (husband is army) and almost all the women I've met are just more people I don't care to spend time with. I have no clue how to even FIND play groups and stuff!
I do keep meaning to go to the story times at the library. I always forget though.

Is there a La Leche League group in your area? That can be a good way to meet like-minded mamas.

[treeoflife3]

Originally Posted by flatstanley72

Is there a La Leche League group in your area? That can be a good way to meet like-minded mamas.

ooh... good idea.. thanks. Although I'm going to feel REALLY awkward going with my 17 month old with no bfing issues bahaha... I have social anxiety so it should be interesting.

[flatstanley72]

Originally Posted by treeoflife3

ooh... good idea.. thanks. Although I'm going to feel REALLY awkward going with my 17 month old with no bfing issues bahaha... I have social anxiety so it should be interesting.

I'm sorry to hear that you are dealing with social anxiety. I don't know what the group there is like, but here we have lots of mamas of toddlers who aren't having bf'ing issues, but come to meet people and for the social support. It is often very helpful to the newer mamas in the group to hear the experiences of those who have made it through some of the challenges of the early weeks and months of bf'ing. I would encourage you to give it a try--I'm sure you would be welcome.

[mommariffic]

Right now I have a 5 week old so it's crazy here and there's very little routine

I am working on a potential "rhythm" for fall, and so here goes. My HOPEFUL schedule as a stay at home momma with a writing habit. My goal is to just have a gentle flow to the days, without "times" for everything. Just kind of a basic idea.

Breakfast
Clean up & getting my DD involved
Story time!
Free play
Shower & get dressed for the day
Whatever activity I have planned: craft, baking, a nature walk, a project etc.
DD doesn't nap, so I'd like for us to go out in the afternoons if we are feeling up to it: play dates and running errands or going to the bookstore to read.
Free play
Dinner prep & eating
Stories, baths, whatever else and BED

And of course I need flexibility for when we have play dates, or bigger outings, which I'd like to do 1-2x per week [I think Tuesdays and Thursdays] which is when we will go into Manhattan to explore, have our classes [she's taking a fairy tale ballet this fall] etc

[allaiter]

with the school year apporaching our daily life is border line insanity!
up at 530
kids up a 6 out the door by 7
back home by 830
work on my teen stuff(i teach breastfeeding and I am a doula to teens)
work on my other volunteer stuff
lunch
nap maybe???
get kids from school
sports (everyday of the week we have some sort of sport...ugh...)
homework maybe
dinner
homework/bath
bed

That is if I am home and not running around all day.
I really love summer beacuse all most all my things stop and we can just do what ever. When the coaches are not insane and instist on lots of practice and very $$$$ camps.....
some coaches just need a time out

[Chicky2]

Ours is never the same, as we have things come up on our little farm, but here goes....At least it's the way things have been going lately, lol....

8-9 a.m. (yup, we're not early morning wakers at all) we get up and get something to eat and I drink my coffee. The 2 middle kiddos go out and do their morning livestock chores.

10a.m.-12 p.m. --do some school. 2-3 subjects

noonish--get a big snack because we eat lunch late.

after lunch we do more livestock chores--filling waters, cleaning coops, hutches, stalls, gather eggs, check mail.

1-2 p.m. Violin practice

2-3 ish--eat lunch and do inside chores--dishes, laundry, sweeping, catboxes, etc...

4 p.m.--more coffee for Mom and swimming for all

5:30-7:00--cook supper while kids play w/neighbor kids

7-8 p.m.--sometime in there we eat what I made for supper

8-9:30 p.m.--more livestock chores and outside time around the firepit

9:30--kids get cleaned up and ready for bed, play around a bit w/Daddy, talk to 21 yo dd while she rubs my shoulders or messes w/my dreads (she has Aspergers and needs to touch, lol).

10:00--time for quiet reading/bed for kids.

I stay up after that (dh goes to bed sometime around 10:30) and do a few chores (make dh's lunch for next day, maybe make some muffins or something, or start bone stock), and just have some me time.

Rinse, Repeat.

[Blessed1]

Wow, great thread..I love schedules and you ladies have some great tips (forcing yourself to get dressed and makeup). I have a 10week old so I am not on a schedule but I can't wait to get out and about. My little one is starting to get pretty predictable so I need some more schedule ideas!

[Surfacing]

[First Time Mama]

I need some inspiration! I think a loose schedule/routine would help us. Usually we go to activies in our meetup group, but there has been hardly anything lately for some reason. Everyone seems to be sending their 3 years old to preschool, which we are not doing. I have been at home for the past few weeks, and the days have felt long, I am starting to feel kind of down, and lethargic, I would like to fill up our days and stay busier.

[First Time Mama]

All right, so admittedly I have had cabin fever the last two weeks, which have been spent mostly at home with almost 3 year old DS. At home all day. The mom's group that I normally do stuff with has not had many play dates or activities scheduled at all. I don't know why, maybe a combo of families taking summer vacations and school starting up. A lot of the moms of other 3 years are putting them in preschool a couple mornings a week also. We are not doing preschool until next year. So I feel like I have to come up with a schedule of sorts myself so here goes: Although I know in a few months with a new baby this will all be out the window while I adjust to life with two.
Mondays: free
Tuesdays: 10:15 Library story time check out books, go home to eat lunch and nap. Go to park after nap.
Wednesdays: MOPS meetings? 9:00-11:0O twice a month
don't know what we'll do on alternating wednesdays
Thursdays: LLL meeting one Thurs a month, ICAN meeting one Thurs a month
Fridays: Gymboree art class or drop off school skills class ( 1 to 2 hrs).

Saturdays and Sundays will be for shopping, chore, rest time, maybe a fun family outing. I tried MOPS a year ago, and decided it wasn't really for me at the time. I wasn't quite ready to leave DS in child care and felt nervous about that, and I am not really religious and the religious undertone (of that particular meeting or group anyway) wasn't what I preferred. I am thinking about giving it another try though, because at this point I would welcome a short, regular break from DS ( I feel like it will make me a better mother to him when we are together), I would like him to have more regular contact with other kids, and I could use regular social contact myself. I will have to see if I find my particular group too religious for my comfort.

[IngaAnne]

I have a 15m old son. Our schedule varies, but this would be fairly typical ...

6:30 - He wakes up and wants to be breastfed. Usually, we both usually fall back asleep for another hour.
7:30 - Get Up. Let out dogs. Free play.
8:30 - Breakfast. Feed Dogs. Empty and refill the dishwasher.
9:00 - Clean Up, Get Dressed, Brush both our teeth. This usually takes awhile since my son is exploring the bedrooms and bathroom the whole time.
9:30 - We walk over to the park. It's a nice park with a toddler playground, pond with ducks, pool, lots of sidewalks, etc. so there's always lots to do.
10:30 - Breastfeed.
11:00 - Naptime. I usually take a shower, throw in a load of laundry, fold whatever was in the dryer, have my lunch, and just relax for a little while.
12:30 - My son wakes up and has lunch. After he eats, he usually wants to be breastfed again. After that, we have some more free play time.
2:00 - Most days, we go out again in the afternoon. Monday's we go to the library to get books and music for my son and a movie for post-baby-bedtime for the adults. Somedays we run errands or walk around the mall. Other days, we stay home.
3:00 - Any and usually several of the following: reading books, cleaning while my son plays with his toys, art projects, water play, walking around the neighborhood exploring. Let out dogs.
3:30 - Snack and breastfeed.
4:00 - Quiet Time. By this time, my son is usually tired and cranky and we both need a break. I put him in his bed with a book. Somedays, he screams and I have to go get him, but most days he'll play quietly for about 20minutes on his own. Once in awhile, he falls asleep. During this time, I usually collapse on the couch for a few minutes.
4:30 - My husband gets home and entertains the kid while I start dinner, empty and refill the dishwasher, etc.
5:30 - Eat Dinner, pack leftovers for tomorrow's lunch, wipe up the kid and his dinner mess. My husband feeds the dogs and helps with cleanup or watching the kid.
6:15 - Walk over to the park with the family, including the dogs. This go around, I tend to sit on the bench with the dogs and watch my husband and son play. If we are too tired to walk, we sit on the deck, let my son play in his water table or go out on the sidewalk with a push toy.
7:00 - Bathtime. My husband does this, so I either take a breather or start on the dinner dishes.
7:30 - Breastfeed. Do all my son's medications.
8:00 - Son to bed. After this, my husband and I sometimes relax and watch a movie or TV. Other days, I'm grinding flour and making "safe" muffins and pancakes for my son's breakfasts, cleaning the kitchen, folding laundry, picking up toys, etc. etc. At some point, my husband lets out the dogs again for their last bathroom break.
10:00 - After getting ready for bed, I usually read, then go to sleep between 10:30 and 11pm.

[youngspiritmom]

Hey ladies,
I've found that when I have a routine it is night and day for me and my 18 mo son. When we have a routine that he can predict, he does not cry, protest, or lash out as much. When the routine goes (especially things like bedtimes, naptimes etc.), he and I both go crazy!!

One trick I've found is that having a small ritual (like brush teeth, drink of water, then bed) works wonders. Because the first step (brush teeth) triggers an idea in my sons head of what will come next, and that nothing else except that thing will come next. This makes putting him to bed a breeze. Our whole bedtime routine is something like:

change diapers, into jammies, brush teeth, drink of water, wave goodnight to daddy, read 1 book, sing twinkle twinkle little star, lights off, go to sleep.

We try to do this in this order everynight, and one night I even forgot a step and he reminded me! It helps sooooooooo much, in my experience.

There is an interesting book about routines/structuring the day that I have heard of. It is called Seven Times the Sun. I've never read it but would love to get my hands on it, for ideas. I think it's got a bit of a Waldorf/Steiner education vibe. Check out the reviews.

[youngspiritmom]

I forgot to mention above ^ that it is helpful to do the bedtime routine at around the same time everynight, if possible (ie 8pm)

[kay4]

I have 4 kids (15, 12, 9 and 6) and my husband is deployed

5:45-wake up, coffee
6-wake up my oldest 2
6:15 wake up younger 2 (it helps to stagger, and the younger 2 take less time to get ready anyway)
between 6:15 and 7:15 make breakfast, pack lunches
7:15 drop off olders
7:30 back home with youngers till 8 when I leave to take them to school
8:20-2:30, I come home, exercise, shower, read my bible, run errands (try to schedule just one day of this to save on gas, etc) do at least 2 loads of laundry a day (hang dry) clean about 2-3 hours a day
I try to take at least 30 minutes to an hour to just sit and watch tv or do something. I hop online off and an through the day, about 5-10 minutes at a time.
2:30-leave to pick up oldest, go straight to youngers school, pick them up at 3.
Home by 3:20
make snack for the kids, play outside, make dinner.
W-Fri-5:30-7:30 football practice for my son Games on sat
My youngest has soccer starting in 2 weeks, that will be practice on tues and games on sat
2 kids starting gymnastics, 1 starting guitar, 1 starting swimming in the next 2 weeks.
Right now though, we are home by 8, more outside play, homework done, play games, watch some tv, my husband has been Skyping with us about 9-ish and crash. Wake up and repeat.