Some of you have asked what exactly is my ‘morning routine’? I mention this in conversation and has piqued some interest.
Well, assuming that we are not running off to Roots and Wings, MOPS, or Bible Study, here is what our typical morning looks like:
-Breakfast
-Brush teeth
-Hair
-Get dressed
-Make bed
-Clean room (as in tidy)
-dishes (empty and load)
-cleaning (tidy kitchen, dining, living and family rooms. Wipe down sink and counters)
-clean bathroon (wipe down sink, counter, and toilet surfaces)
-sweep (bathroom and hardwoods)
-vacuum (3 small bedrooms and two area rugs)
-empty all trash baskets
-laundry
-feed cat and water/check litter box
-vitamins
After vitamins, we begin homeschool lessons
FAQs:
Q: How long does this take? It depends on how much I involve the kids and what the rest of our day looks like, and how motivated I am to get it done. If I really want to complete the routine quickly, I will begin before the boys get up. If I do it on my own, this will be completed within an hour.
However, I want to teach my boys these valuable life skills and their contribution to our family. I also like to break to talk to friends, answer emails, or check blogs. So, the morning routine may last all day! I like that I can look at what is next and not have to think about it what else needs to be done.
Q: What about the days when you have a commitment in the morning? If my afternoon is open, we will do some of the items then, or we might forego it altogether. Typically, we will always make the master bed, do the dishes, tidy each room, and keep up on laundry. I sacrifice sweeping, vacuuming, and wiping down the bathroom when necessary.
Q: What about the other chores not listed above? Those items are listed to do in the afternoon or on the weekend. I try to follow those through motivatedmoms.com. I do have an ‘afternoon routine’, but I do not follow it enough to write it down. Maybe someday!
Q: How do you get the kids involved? First, and most important (IMO), adjust your standard of what is acceptable. ‘A’ makes his own bed. It is not perfect by any means, but it is ‘made’. ‘R’ gets frustrated because he can’t get the sheets and blankets to cooperate, so I help him. He takes one side and copies what I do. They both know where their toys, books, and dirty clothes should go and can clean their room to my satisfaction. They are responsible for putting all the plastic dishes and silverware away. They take a vinegar and water bottle and help wipe down counters as I play back up. They try to sweep up my dirt piles into the dustpan with the little dust broom. This is about 75% successful. They bring clothes from the hamper to the laundry and take dry clothes from the dryer to the table. They sort the clothes into the owner’s pile. They feed the cat with my help. I praise the attitude and effort over how well they complete the task, and how well they work together as a team.