Routines are a big part of our life. We do a lot of the same repetitive tasks each day to help make us more productive. If we didn’t our life would be a chaotic mess.
In our house we’ve implemented “ready routines”. What this means is that in order to get ready, and efficiently, we need to have a set of rules or parameters that need to get done so we can get out the door.
First off, we turn off all electronics. No TV or phones. They are distractions. We start this about 30-45 min before we need to leave. We will play some music to have background noise but other than that we are focused on getting ready. Next we get the kids dressed. Most of the time I am ready by the time we start otherwise I will wait until everyone else is ready. Then we make sure we have everything we need. Diaper bag, toys, water cups, etc as we wrap up to head out the door.
By having a set of rules that begin the routine everyone knows what needs to happen as we make our way out. It’s always helpful to have a “prompt” or “cue” to start so our brains can shift gears into “get ready mode”.
As for our bedtime routine, it starts at 8p. That’s our cue. I tell the boys at 7:50p, “10 mins then we need to get ready for bed”. At 8p the TV goes off and boom our bedtime routine begins. By the time I turn that TV off, they are ready to be carried up the steps to the bedrooms. They know, at 8p, it’s bedtime.
We need to accomplish three things before bed: teeth brushed, book read, jammies on. When we do those three things I give them a treat of watching some TV until 9p. I know, I know… “Screens before bed cause lack of sleep”. But here’s the thing, if I can use my phone for texts, socials, or netflix I shouldn’t be a hypocrite and tell them, “no”.
Now, I’ve gotten better at it, while they watch TV I will read my books and journal. At 9p we turn the TV off and we put them down for bed. Sometimes it will take them longer to fall asleep while other days as soon as their head hits the pillow they fall quickly asleep. I will stay up until 9:30p or 10p reading and writing. I go to bed by 10p to get up at 6a – 8hrs of sleep and ready to rock the day the next morning.
Routines are a big part of life and we make sure we follow them daily. Some days are better than others but it’s about being consistent. The more times you do it, the easier it becomes.
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