What does a homeschool mom’s routine look like with a new baby? Morning routine survivor edition is a snapshot of a homeschool family.
A couple years ago I wrote a short series about my morning routine, the struggles I had with it, and what was working for me. As I read back through them, the life I see in those posts is almost unrecognizable today. Like Kerri, we welcomed a new little one into our home a few months ago. He’s an absolute joy, but he has pretty much turned the tables on anything I would call a routine, especially in the morning. Some days he sleeps until 8:30, other days he’s up long before the sun is even thinking about coming up. It seems like every time I plan to get up early, the little guy has a similar plan, and I don’t get much of anything done other than some snuggle time with him.
A Homeschool Mom’s Morning Routine Survivor Edition
In the last few weeks as his schedule has become a bit more consistent, I’ve been trying to work back into that routine. Baby steps. I’ve started by committing to get up early one day per week, preferably on Mondays. On that one day I make a light breakfast for my husband and get the dishwasher unloaded so I can have my coffee. After he leaves, I spend some time in prayer. Prayer for the coming week, prayer for my husband, prayer for each of my children. If the baby isn’t up yet, I move on to reading my Bible for a few minutes. And then if he still isn’t up, I work on my schedule for the week. I make a list of everything that I’d like to get done that week. I look at our calendar and assign days to each task, pairing bigger jobs with less-busy days. I cross off a few things that I know are unrealistic. Then if he’s still sleeping, I make time for a shower. The rest of the week may be chaos, but having that one day as a jumping off point has really helped my sanity.
Homeschool Mom Morning Routine Series
- Part 1 – Morning Routine
- Part 2 – Imperfect Edition
- Part 3 – Getting Mom Ready
- Survivor Edition – A homeschool mom’s routine with a new baby
- Taking Care of You! The Homeschool Mom
- How to Start a Homeschool Routine
Kendra is a stay-at-home homeschooling mother of four rowdy boys. Okay, three rowdy boys and one who is still sweet and cuddly. She’s married to her high-school sweetheart. When she’s not playing teacher, nurse, cook or housekeeper, she loves to read and write.
-April 2011
I can only imagine what it is like for moms with more than two kids (which is what I have) to be able to have and keep a routine and to be able to get anything done. All you moms just amaze me!! I pray that God blesses you (as he always has) to be able to do all that is required of you!!! I also reread your post about preparing breakfast every morning for your husband………….I will just say one word “milk”, so I don’t spoil it for anyone who hasn’t read it. That made me laugh all over again!! =) Thanks as always for sharing!!
Just the basics m’am. I love your attitude! Baby steps and being realistic are so important with a new baby or any major change. How smart to commit to one day a week of getting up early. One day a week is manageable! And, as you show us, adaptable!
It’s so easy to get caught up in the ‘I should be doing’ sorts of things of homekeeping and homeschooling. Thank you for your encouragement. (and I agree with Angie – everyone should reread your Morning Routine series!)
This is so realistic! I agree, setting the tone for a good morning makes the rest of the day good even if it falls apart, ha ha! I need to read this series. Thanks!
What a good idea! Getting up early is not as daunting when you try it one day a week. This tired mother of teens is going to try it! 🙂
Thank you for being so real,practical, and encouraging. I, too, am amazed and inspired by all you moms who have more than two and how you handle things with such grace, flexibility, and adaptability (and still have time to post on Habits :)). What an encouraging group of ladies!