I asked this on the main board, but I don't think I worded it quite right. I hope it's okay on this board. I'm not entirely sure why, I but I feel like coming up with more routine in our day will be one way to simplify our lives.

Does anyone else have routines they follow each day? Walks in the morning, and so on? Anyone know of any other good books or websites? The book I mention in the other thread (Seven Times the Sun : Guiding Your Child Through the Rhythms of the Day ) sounds like it's based on Waldorf principles, but I'm open to any ideas. That book isn't in our local library, so I'll have to interlibrary loan it.

Here's my other thread:
http://amitymama.com/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=20041

:)
Janice

Hey there!

I already replied to your post on the main board, but here's some more info on site and books that may interest you:

Awesome page with info about integrating your work into a child's day:
http://www.waldorfhomeschoolers.com/daily_work.htm

Another good one, listing lots of neat activities:
http://www-personal.engin.umich.edu/~ajdrake/toddler/tres.htm

Books on my wishlist:
Earth Child 2000 by Sheehan & Waidner
Sanctuaries of Childhood by Darian
Peaceful Parenting in a Violent World by Cress
Making Make Believe by Kohl

Most of the time I just think about how I want Sam's day to be and how I can help it happen while still getting my stuff done. Sam is very comforted when I focus on him, look in his eyes, and tell him what the plan is for the next hour or two. Then he can bop back into his activities and feel secure in what we're doing next and why.

You might try writing out a brief agenda of how your days go now, and what you do and don't like on that agenda. And it only takes a day or two of a new routine for a young child to fall right into it.

As you can see, this topic is very near and dear to my heart!! I hope this has helped a little!

Tara

Cool Tara!

I meant to thank you for your other suggestions, too. I appreciate all of your help...it's excellent inspiration! (and on a topic becoming nearer and dearer to my heart ;))

Janice

Routine is very important in our home (if you don't know yet, we are a waldorf-y family). The links and books mentioned are very good. I feel that having a routine really helps a child feel secure. Here's a sample of my typical day with Izzy:

6:00 - wake up with Izzy - quiet time with him
6:25 - wake up the rest of the family
6:25 - 7:30 help dh and ds get out to school
7:30 - 8:30 izzy and I play quietly and have breakfast
8:30 - 9:30 inside chores with Izzy helping
9:30 - 11:00 errands (or more chores) then outside play (or just outside play if nothing needs to be done that day)
11:00 - 12:30 - lunch & quiet play inside
12:30 - 2:30 - nap
2:30 - 4:30 outside play (& sometimes pick up big brother at school)
4:30 - 6:00 come in, make dinner, eat and clean up
6:00 - 7:30 play with whole family - hike, play music, read, etc.
7:30 - 8:30 get ready for bed - Zak & Izzy have a bedtime of 8:30 (Zak can read in bed until 9:00)
8:30 - AW time!

There is some variation to this theme, of course, but this is our typical day.

thanks for sharing your daily routine, Kathy. I forgot there was a Waldorf-y mama here! Your dh is a Waldorf teacher, isn't he?

I think I'll try to decide what we like to get done during the day, and try to make a routine of it.

:0)
Janice