Schedules are Helpful!
When our homes become a nagging, bickering, argumentative and overwhelming four walls, schedules can help.
Most parents are busy with jobs, chores and…life. It is hard to keep track of everything that needs to be done, it’s hard to remember all the things and easy to get pushed off track.
Schedules are a tool.
Begin by writing down all the things you want done during the day. Then, think about who can do them and at what times that would be best for those accomplishments in the home. Make sure you are clear about what it looks like to have a task completed.
For example, When you want laundry done, what does that look like? Wash/Dry/Folded or do you need the clothes put away as well. If you have small children, think of ways they can get the task completed. I actually hung a chain and another bar so that my children could reach the hangers. You can find them ready to go as well. “Tier Adjustable Closet Rod, No-Drill Extendable Hanging Bar for Wardrobe, Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Closet Organizer for Kids and Adults, 16-28 Inch”
Another example, When we ask our children to make their beds, show them what you expect. Keep their abilities and age appropriateness in check. You may need to lower your expectations and desires and just be thankful to have a bed mostly made. If your child’s bed is against a wall, keep in mind how difficult it is to tuck the covers in. For young, early school age children, perhaps just bringing the sheet and blanket up over their pillow is enough. Demonstrate it.
Schedules for us, can be a way to get things out of our head and on a piece of paper. For children, it can help them help us by focusing back on the things that need to get done. The purpose is to make our lives easier.
Schedules are not perfect and should not be expected to create a smooth everyday success. Life is full of surprises and opportunities. AND, our schedules must change, summer vs. school days. Parents change jobs and need to change schedules. A new child is brought into the home or a pet with new responsibilities. Schedules need to be a part of our fluid lives, not become another point of contention.
Have fun making a schedule. Bring the children into the planning of what needs to be done and when. Ask them if they want to add something to the list. Having the family on the same “page” is ALWAYS helpful.
A visual schedule helps us gain some control of OUR DAY!
