We all need routines, we all need some structure – not without flexibility – but structure that fosters responsibility, accountability, and discipline. It’s one thing we want to make sure our kids have a healthy balance of, being adaptable and disciplined to move through life responsibly with good attitudes.
We are now two weeks into Kindergarten, both with wildly different experiences heading into Elementary School. Our son the go-getter, problem solver, chatty chuck. Our daughter is a spit-fire, who avoids hard work like the plague. Both are incredibly smart – both are being challenged immensely in the program they are in.
They are a part of a French immersion program with a high emphasis on STEM. Exactly what we wanted to help jumpstart their minds and experiences in life. Our son has extra interests, taking care of our dogs, photography, building new masterpieces with legos. Our daughter more nurturing always wanting to make sure smaller kiddos and spaces are organized and taken care of. Either of these leanings will take them far as long as they are cultivated well.
The question I get asked the most: are they same class? Definitely not.
We’ve been there, done that and it isn’t the best option for our family and for their individual growth and health. AND we’ve already seen better camaraderie once they get home.
So here’s a typical day in the life of us at the start of Kindergarten (and for reference this isn’t wildly different than their Pre-K year):
6am: wake up, grab breakfast, and some easy play time getting ready for the day.
7am: we are out the door, and headed to school
7:45am – 2:10pm: School Day
2:30pm: we are back home, putting on some fresh play clothes and grabbing a snack (usually string cheese, fruit and crackers)
And then one of the biggest parts of our day….
The one thing we make sure of: free play. They honestly don’t ask for TV regularly, and that’s because we get outside as much as possible. By 3pm we are headed outside whether that’s a bike ride, a walk with popsicles in hand, or a long hang with friends at the playground. We are so blessed we have all those amenities in such close proximity. It allows our kids to continue to use their imagination and explore their world on their own terms (to a degree). To learn how to work together as a team all on their own.
If you are looking to move: find those things in close space to where you are! Find people, find activities that are walking distance or no longer than a 5 minute drive, make sure you feel safe to get outside right where you are.
5pm: We come home and eat a well balanced dinner. One that fuels, refreshes, and aids in health and growth at the perfect pace. Not to say we don’t have pizza night or chicken nuggets sometimes, but we so try to expose them to a lot of different food and flavors. We believe this not only helps them reset and nourishes their bodies from their day, but helps them sleep deeply and restfully.
6pm: Comes the wind down: calm play, reading or drawing/coloring, baths, and eventually bed.
Evenings are simplistic for the most part, with the occasionally curve ball thrown in – as I am writing this we had a wild time at an event just last night that took them way past their bedtime – however, we try to keep things quiet. They. get so much noise throughout the day that we want their minds to be at peace as they head towards bedtime. It’s simple and it’s sweet. It’s worth the schedule and the sacrifice.
The routines might not always be fun or convenient, but they are only small once – you only get one shot at this exact age in time – find the balance of a healthy family for everyone.
What is one of your go-to routine pieces? I’d love to hear about them in the comments!
Fueling Her Forward 
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