Children, and most adults, thrive on routine. When something is out of order it throws the next thing out and before you know it you have the domino effect going. All of my kids are grown and raising their own children now, but we still thrive on routine in our house. In teaching Sunday School calm is maintained and a lot is learned each week because we have a routine we follow. It is funny how even the 3 year olds know when we are doing something out of order and they question it.
A great way to maintain order in the home is to establish a routine. To help with the chaos of getting everyone out of the house for school and work we have talked about easy lunch prep and clothes choices, today lets talk about breakfast and home work.
A part of your routine should be as soon as you walk in the door the kids should pull any paperwork from their backpack that is for the parent to review, sign, etc. and place it in a designated basket. This will allow you to pick it up and take care of it without having to search for it. As soon as the paperwork is handled place it in the proper location, back in the basket for the child to return it to their backpack is a good policy. Paperwork and mail just thrown on the counter when you walk in has a tendency to get lost or forgotten. Establish a set area for each. This will teach the kids, and you, responsibility.
As a part of your dinner clean-up each evening the final action should be setting out what is needed for breakfast in the morning. If you normally have cold cereal set the table with the bowls, spoons, and napkins along with cups and the boxes of cereal if they are allowed to choose their own. If you cook a hot breakfast, set out the pans and other prep items needed. This will reduce the time needed in the morning and make the household run smoother.
We all want the atmosphere of our home to be calm and it starts with you leading the way.
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