Little Rafael has slipped into enough of a routine that I felt I could make a schedule for the family. I’ve attempted many schedules in the past, and never stuck with it long, but I feel like I have to try again. I crave the order and regularity that a schedule provides. If I can get my husband on board with it, I just might be able to make this one work. It will provide a rhythm for the day, as well as structure for the children. I guess you could say I have too many children to just “wing it” anymore. I’ve also been inspired by the blog Large Families on Purpose. Erika, the writer, has 9 children, the two youngest being twins, and she has details on her blog about how she schedules her time as well as the time of all 9 children.

My goal is to make sure I have time for sleep (I’ve actually scheduled in two 1/2-hour naps into my day), as well as trying to make the best use of my time. For instance, I scheduled morning and evening worships during the baby’s feeding times.

Of course, I know the schedule will change soon; Ralfie won’t be on a 3-hour feeding schedule forever. But he will be for a few weeks, I expect. Once his schedule changes, I’ll adjust the schedule accordingly.

In fact, I know that what I’ve come up with is only a guideline, and it is also going to have to be flexible. But it is an attempt!

For me, my biggest problem with a schedule has been the evenings. If I don’t start the evening routine on time (such as getting supper ready on time, telling the kids to pick up their toys by a certain time, etc), then everything gets messed up. The kids are in bed late. There is a bunch of stuff left to do after they get into bed. And then I get to bed late myself, making getting up on time pretty much impossible. I’m hoping the afternoon nap will provide me with enough energy to be ready to start the evening routine on time and keep it going.

Do you have a schedule? Have you tried one and failed? Do you plan on trying again? Tell me about it.