An Ordinary Day

Though I've heard it said "CONSISTENCY IS THE HOBGOBLIN OF LITTLE MINDS", I'VE COME TO BELIEVE A ROUTINE THAT HONORS THE NATURE OF CHILDREN, THEIR HUNGRY, HUNGRY BRAINS AND A LOVING CONSISTENCY IS THE STUFF OF A WARM, COMFORTABLE, JOYFUL, HOME AND FAMILY -- WITHOUT CHAOS.

Basic family routine:

All family members can count on being greeted with a smile, a "good morning!", "Did you have a good sleep?"

Some children will likely wake earlier than others so be prepared to read a story, or have quiet activities like coloring, looking at books, watching an age-appropriate cartoon until the others wake.

Once everyone is up "Shall we all make our beds and get ready for the day?" Participate with them, encourage them, praise them for the good job. "Okay!" "Let's get dressed and put away our PJ's." "Anyone need help?"

"Breakfast anyone?" Most will say "Yeah!" "Okay, let's get breakfast..." Work together. Even a two year old can be given a job that will make him proud. [Side tip here: have bibs, towels handy to cover their clean clothes... really cuts down on the laundry... also cloth napkins they can use for each meal for a couple of days]

"Time to clean up." Everyone helps. [Our 6 year old grand daughter, Mary, wiped the place mats, stacked them and wiped the table... We had to say "enough" when she wanted to wash down each chair. That's how much fun she was having. Our 3 year old grand son, Joe, kept telling me he helped Grampy fill the dishwasher and kept nodding and smiling. Jude, 4, scraped the garbage and loaded bowls...]

This is the time of day when everyone goes his/her own way or a together activity is planned. We're going to the Metrodome to pick up the Twins tickets then on to the Art Institute where the kids can see who can find a horse, a boat, a picture of angels, you get the picture (pun intended: Art Museum? Picture? Get it?

Before we leave we gather by the back door and make sure we've all gone to the bathroom and the bathroom has been left tidy, that all beds are made, toys are picked up, clothes and towels are hung. "Everybody's hair combed?" Everybody got shoes, jackets, hats? We're off!

Stay tuned for the FOUR DAILY CHECKPOINTS FOR HARMONY... Now, I'm off to the Art Museum.