[lactivistmama]

1st a little about us.. We are a family of 4 in a very small, mainsteam community. I don't know of any Waldorf families in our area (we are about 40 minutes from Sacramento though.. I LOVE the Waldorf ideas, etc. But my children are 3 and 5. I work part time right now (dh is in the construction business so when the economy went down so did his wages, so I had to get a part time ~3 day a week job) and dh works full time. With that said I am almost clueless at where to begin, especially with establishing rythmns. I have been buying more Waldorf toys and switching them out for the plastic junk etc. but what else should I be doing at this point with my children the ages they are? How can I make this work with me woring part time, with no Waldorf school or support here?

Thanks for any help

:

 

[weliveintheforest]

I think you are right the establishing rhythms is a good place to start. This is something I am not great at but am working on.
Some ideas:
- start and/or end each day the same way. some people say a verse, or some just have a strong bedtime routine etc
- find ways to be consistent, even if just with small things like setting the table, or changing from shoes to slippers when you come in the house, or always having a fruit or vegetable snack after swimming lessons
- if your work schedule allows, you can have designated days for things, like monday is laundry day, where you work together with washing and folding laundry, or tuesday could be baking day or something.

I really liked the book Beyond the Rainbow Bridge. it helped me look at things a little different.

 

[bellasmama06]

I was just about to write a similar post specific to rhythms (a huge effort for me!)... Would love to see more examples of how peoples' days/weeks are structured.

Also wondering, is it helpful/advisable to schedule regular "play by yourself next to me(2.5 yo, for me) so mommy can read or do computer work" time on a daily basis or less often? I often feel like I can only do these "non-housework to-do's or a little leisure read (book or newspaper)" only in the ltd window when she sleeps! Sorry, I hope my ?s stay on track with what OP needs to know.

Thx!

 

[blumom2boyz]

I LOVE the book Heaven on Earth. It is full of practical ideas on how to bring Waldorf into the home. Lots of great examples (and even recipes!) as well as a great resource section.

The important thing to remember is that you do not have to make a change all at once. Pick one thing you want to incorporate and once that becomes second nature, start with another. This will help keep everyone from feeling overwhelmed.

Good Luck!

 

[mamaUK]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bellasmama06 IAlso wondering, is it helpful/advisable to schedule regular "play by yourself next to me(2.5 yo, for me) so mommy can read or do computer work" time on a daily basis or less often? I often feel like I can only do these "non-housework to-do's or a little leisure read (book or newspaper)" only in the ltd window when she sleeps! Sorry, I hope my ?s stay on track with what OP needs to know. Thx!

I think it would be better if you didn't actually give it a name but just let it happen naturally. I know if I said to my toddler 'just play next to me' she wouldn't do it. On the other hand if I get an activity, say folding the laundry or making some paper books for her craft table she will simply choose something to play with a naturally sit near me to do what ever it is she has chosen. No words needed, just do something carefully and mindfully but that keep yur hands busy and I think you will find she will naturally occupy herself close to you. I am not so sure that this would work with you reading though, as she will see it as an opportunity to get on your lap.....unfortunately that is the same for the computer too. If you don't want to be doing some sort of household chore, something a bit more relaxing would be a simple sewing project or some relaxing knitting. I guess the important thing is that you're relaxed but your hands are busy, so you 'can't ' play with her!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But she can feel nice and close and relaxed to you.

 

[KJoslyn78]

Quote:

Originally Posted by blumom2boyz The important thing to remember is that you do not have to make a change all at once. Pick one thing you want to incorporate and once that becomes second nature, start with another. This will help keep everyone from feeling overwhelmed.

I think the part i highlighted is important. I know for me i have the (self) pressure to make it all right and prefect, all at once... and it doesn't need to be "all or nothing". Not everything will work for everyone either. ie we don't have a specific rhythm (like Tuesday baking day or laundry day or whatever), but we do have some other little things we do to keep a semi-rhythm going for us.

And another good book is "You Are Your Child's First Teacher"... IIRC, there is a section in there on rhythms too, as well as other good info

 

[racheleuphoria]

There's a fairly strong Waldorf presence in Fairoaks, CA, which is quite near Sacramento. You may be able to find a playgroup associated with the school to build friendships and learn from other families.

I'm working through Heaven on Earth now. It is excellent. Well worth the money and time. I've already read You are Your Child's First Teacher. It's worth reading, but Heaven on Earth has been more helpful at actually making changes for my life with kids 2 and 4 of age.

 

[lactivistmama]

Thanks for everyones help! I guess the rythmns are knidof intimidating to me for some reason

Quote:

Originally Posted by racheleuphoria There's a fairly strong Waldorf presence in Fairoaks, CA, which is quite near Sacramento. You may be able to find a playgroup associated with the school to build friendships and learn from other families. .

Thanks for the advise! How would I find out about the playgroups??

 

[bellasmama06]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mamaUK I think it would be better if you didn't actually give it a name but just let it happen naturally. I know if I said to my toddler 'just play next to me' she wouldn't do it. On the other hand if I get an activity, say folding the laundry or making some paper books for her craft table she will simply choose something to play with a naturally sit near me to do what ever it is she has chosen. No words needed, just do something carefully and mindfully but that keep yur hands busy and I think you will find she will naturally occupy herself close to you. I am not so sure that this would work with you reading though, as she will see it as an opportunity to get on your lap.....unfortunately that is the same for the computer too. If you don't want to be doing some sort of household chore, something a bit more relaxing would be a simple sewing project or some relaxing knitting. I guess the important thing is that you're relaxed but your hands are busy, so you 'can't ' play with her!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But she can feel nice and close and relaxed to you.

That's a very good point about not naming it but simply getting an activity started. It's a tactic that should be simple but I often have to remind myself again!!

I guess my issue is more in managing my time to be able to do some reading & computer work since, as you noted, dc is never satisfied leaving me alone to do those things. Ah well, I'll figure it out. In process of learning to be more crafty.....

Thanks for your reply, mamaUK!

 

[mrsalf97]

subbing

 

[mum21andtwins]

I had this problem. Slowely we are getting a routine started. Like sat-sun daddy is home. Sunday we have a roast chicken. wednesday is marketday saturday morning we do our non market shopping and go to the butcher. evertyhing inbetween is flexible at the moment. WE sit down for breakfast lunch and dinner. I put on a 1 load of laundry in the am and 1 in the pm after the laundry is in I hang out the load that was put on the previous pm. dinner goes on at 4 to be ready at 5 (I tend to get interupted a lot lol) whilst I prepare dinner ds1 usually does some painting or drawing.
We tend to get up between 5-6 sometimes the children sleep till 7 but often they are up earlier. I find getting up before the children get up allows me to have some uninterupted me time when I actually have some energy before I would stay up late and feel more tired not really get any me time get up more tired etc etc. I tend to be in bed by 9 9.30 at the very latest an dI think that was the change that made the biggest impact on how I was able to cope with the kids and keep some routing going.

hth

 

[jp79]

Subbing.

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I'm interested in getting into rhythms in our family, too.

 

[JoyAnne]

The Waldorf school in Sacremento is: http://www.sacwaldorf.org/

I have a dear friend there whose son is in first grade, her little one is 20 months and she attends a playgroup nearby. I am sure the school will have the contact info. Good luck to you- I can't tell you how much Waldorf education has added to our family's life, and my life personally.

 

[lactivistmama]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mum21andtwins I had this problem. Slowely we are getting a routine started. Like sat-sun daddy is home. Sunday we have a roast chicken. wednesday is marketday saturday morning we do our non market shopping and go to the butcher. evertyhing inbetween is flexible at the moment. WE sit down for breakfast lunch and dinner. I put on a 1 load of laundry in the am and 1 in the pm after the laundry is in I hang out the load that was put on the previous pm. dinner goes on at 4 to be ready at 5 (I tend to get interupted a lot lol) whilst I prepare dinner ds1 usually does some painting or drawing. We tend to get up between 5-6 sometimes the children sleep till 7 but often they are up earlier. I find getting up before the children get up allows me to have some uninterupted me time when I actually have some energy before I would stay up late and feel more tired not really get any me time get up more tired etc etc. I tend to be in bed by 9 9.30 at the very latest an dI think that was the change that made the biggest impact on how I was able to cope with the kids and keep some routing going. hth

Thank you for breaking your day down for me alittle

That helps!!

Do you keep your rythmns written down like a guideline? Or are you just used to it by now?

 

[mum21andtwins]

I wrote it down to begin with but by now I'm used to it and I find when I have to think about our routine or it becomes stressfull its time to change things.

Good luck

 

[mamaUK]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bellasmama06 That's a very good point about not naming it but simply getting an activity started. It's a tactic that should be simple but I often have to remind myself again!! I guess my issue is more in managing my time to be able to do some reading & computer work since, as you noted, dc is never satisfied leaving me alone to do those things. Ah well, I'll figure it out. In process of learning to be more crafty..... Thanks for your reply, mamaUK!

glad I could have been a bit of help, I remember, months ago, I would say to my LO go and play by your self while i get on with X, Y and Z. She would cling to me even harder and say at the top of her voice, 'i'm not going to play by myself' Wow, did I learn that lesson quickly! I'm in the same boat as you about learning to be a bit more crafty. In 2009 I really want to work on that, learn how to knit and remind myself how to crochet b/c I certainly get a bit stuck if there are no jobs to be done. I know it works though b/c when ever my sister comes round she will sit on the sofa and knit or crochet and my LO seems to really respect that she is busy doing something important and will chat to her but won't 'get in the way' of her knitting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So it is definately something I want to work on too.

 

[mamaUK]

This is the only routine I have got going at the moment with a 3.5 yr old and a 9 month old:

7 am : wake up, have cuddles in my bed, LO's drink milk, get dressed.

8 am - 8.30 am : Breakfast time at table. Eat together.

Free play for LO's. I clear up after Breakfast.

9.45 : Snack time

Free play OR Play Group. Also read couple of stories with me.

11.00 - 12.00 Lunch time at table. Clear up Lunch stuff.

12.00 - 2.30 : Both toddler and baby have lunch time nap (Phew)

2.30 - 4.30 : Snack as soon as they wake up /Free play / a bit of singing / more reading with me.

4.30 - 5.00 : Tidy up time for toddler (in theory!) I cook tea.

5.00- 5.30 : Sit down family tea with all of us.

5.30: Upstairs for bath, story, milk.

6.00: Bedtime candlelight blessing. Goodnight.

6.10 pm: Phew, I go and put my feet up for the rest of the evening.

9.00 pm: I go to bed now as I'm super tired. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Just wanted to add that there is no TV when children are awake, but me and my husband will watch a little after they are in bed. This is all I have for my routine at the moment but I'm working on it. Also Tuesday and Thursdays my toddler is in pre-school and we go to a play group mondays and fridays which is 5 minutes wlak around the corner and lasts for 1 hour.

Oh Yeah, just wanted to say housework is done in a 3 hour blitz on Sunday morning, bathrooms, mopping, vacumming, dusting etc but i will also vacumm through a couple of times a week while they are having free play to keep on top of things.