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ParentingAll Ages242 Comments
I always get this question that I don’t know how to answer:
Can you provide a schedule of your day that shows when you fit kids activities into your daily routine?
Simple question. A not-so-easy answer.
Especially since I share an activity planner that helps you fit those activities in your day, but yet I can’t tell you how to schedule them into your day.
You see, my days are very rarely the same.
I am not a scheduled person. I roll with the flow most days.
And I find this works best for my family. It takes a lot of pressure off me that I would put on all year if I had schedules to follow.
That doesn’t mean that I don’t gather ideas for the week or have plans. I do have those.
However, I do have daily routines here and there that we do with the kids.
Little things that happen.
They might not happen every day. And may not happen at the same time every day.
But they do happen.
Why Daily Routines are Important for Kids
Routines make everything simpler for the whole family.
And daily routines are actually really good for the kids. In fact, it helps them learn to do their everyday task on their own.
Read more about why routines are important for kids here.
One of our simple schedules is in the morning.
First Thing in the Morning We Follow These Simple Steps:
- we get up
- eat breakfast
- get dressed
- play a little
- and head to school.
That’s it. Short and simple and fairly obvious, right?
Bedtime schedules are fairly the same.
In the Evening We Follow These Steps:
- boys get a bath
- get pajamas on
- get their vitamins
- brush their teeth
- read a book
- and say goodnight.
That’s it.
Everything in between is pretty much up for grabs.
My oldest is in school. Both my preschooler and toddler boys go to preschool and daycare three mornings a week.
Those are my work hours.
Activities with the kids happen anywhere in between those simple daily routine times.
But where exactly do I fit activities into our day?
First Off, a Little More About How My Home Works.
I’m primarily a stay at home mom.
So I’m at home with my kids and work when I can.
My husband works nights, so he’s home during the days with us as well (in the morning he’s sleeping).
He is there to help me during activities if I want it.
Your home might be a little different in that you work out of the home all day, or you’re at home by yourself until the late hours of the night.
If that’s the case, I urge you to jot down 7 of your own ways that you can squeeze in kids activities into your daily routine.
These are 7 of our times that we do activities in our family.
Please take note that we do not do activities during every single of these times all the time.
We’re not activity-making machines!
We like to take it easy too!
These are just the time slots in our daily routines when we usually have some time to squeeze one in for the kids here or there.
As long as activities are kept simple they can be squeezed into any part of the day!
Another thing to remember is that activities usually only take 15 minutes or so (give or take a few depending on how old your child is).
So don’t be discouraged if you don’t have huge chunks of times to squeeze them into.
They literally can be squeezed in small spots!
7 Ways We Squeeze Kids Activities in Daily Routines:
In the Morning.
Activities are most often slipped into the mornings when the kids don’t have preschool or daycare.
Sometimes even on mornings before they go to school!
If they’re up super early some days (because it happens!) we’ll sometimes squeeze an activity in after we’re ready to go and have a little bit of time to spare.
During the Baby or Toddler’s Nap Time.
Nap time has always been a life saver for me and activities.
It’s when I have been able to focus on my preschooler and do more advanced activities that my toddler might disrupt or get in the way of.
This is a perfect place to sneak an activity into the daily routine for older kids.
After Nap Time.
This is hit or miss for us because after nap times my kids can often be very grumpy (are mine the only ones?).
If I’m not just sitting and holding them to keep them from a meltdown we’ll often sneak in a quick activity before my oldest gets home from school.
After School.
Right now, the weather is fantastic (which has been a long time coming here in Iowa), so this time is less and less.
They’re often just running around outside enjoying the weather.
But when the kids are stuck inside or once this newfound fun of the outdoors has worn off, we’ll be back to doing activities in this time slot of our schedule.
I love doing activities with all three kids!
Before Dinner.
This is always a crazy time of day when I’m trying to get dinner on the table.
Which makes it the perfect time in the daily routine to get the kids settled in a busy activity.
I get them started and it’s an activity that they can keep going on their own while I get dinner ready and supervise from afar.
See our 20 easy activities to keep kids busy.
Weekends.
I often leave Sunday schedules open to family, but Saturdays are fair game for activities!
It’s also often the perfect time for a walk around town that leads to the playground.
Yes, that counts as an activity, too!
Before Heading Out for the Day.
In our weekly routine we have one day that I usually reserve for errands or going to Grandma’s house with the kids.
There have been countless times that we squeeze an activity in before we head out.
I find this to be a perfect time to connect with them (and give them that one-on-one time) before heading out and doing things that are all about me.
Or at Grandma’s, it’s all about Grandma and not a time for me to connect with them.
Bonus Time: The Witching Hour.
Between dinner and bedtime is known to be a funny part of every kids daily routine.
Can bring on the untamed behaviours or boredom as kids are getting tired but not ready to sleep yet.
This is the perfect time if time allows.
Often our dinner runs into our bedtime routine so there’s not always time.
See 10 activities to do during the Witching Hour.
It’s not anything scientific, or anything really secret.
It’s just how we flow around here.
Simple (if you haven’t noticed, that’s how I like it.)
These are the moments in our relaxed daily routines that I find it easiest to add in activities for the kids.
I keep finding over and over again that a simple life is a much happier life.
I try to keep things as uncomplicated as possible and that goes for my parenting, our activities, and our day to day routines.
Simple makes it much more balanced in our house.
How do you fit activities into your life the best?
Leave a comment below letting me know how you create activity moments in your daily routine with the kids!
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Kansas City Trailer Proz says
I do believe all the ideas you’ve presented for your post.
They’re very convincing and can certainly work. Still, the posts are very quick for novices.
May you please extend them a bit from subsequent time?
Thanks for the post.
ANGEL JACKLYN says
We have to keep up with our routines in order to stay balanced… that includes our Gummy vits!
college schedule online says
I am teaching my soon to be 2nd grader but my 4 year old grandson needs structure. My problem is that I don’t know how to teach such differing ages. Is this LOTW program yours and if yes, are all of the activities you have on your schedule there in the program. I am very concerned that I will take away from the older granddaughter to teach the younger grandson. I have homeschooled for years but never with this huge age gape. Helpl
ANGEL JACKLYN says
2nd entry twitter!!!
Deb Ford says
To create balance for your family you have to allow everything in moderation and plan ahead.
Cynthia C says
Tweet
https://twitter.com/clc408/status/681499123695153152
Cynthia C says
I create balance by scheduling activities and relaxing times every day.
Karine Traverse says
Tweeted
Karine Traverse says
We try to keep balanced by eating the best we can and by being active when we can
Stephanie Phelps says
I try to create balance by making sure the things we do are fun for them but also healthy like riding bikes and doing relay races at the playground but also by making sure they get plenty of fruits and veggies everyday!
Shawn Gallagher says
We manage family time with sçhool activities and sports and fun!
mysweetiepiepie says
I create balance by making sure that we all get a little bit of a workout everyday, usually working in the garden.
Bert Ruiz says
We stay active during the day, drink plenty of water, eat balanced homemade meals and get a good night rest
Tabathia B says
tweet https://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/649053759935508480
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Tabathia B says
I try not to over schedule them and let them play like I did when I was a kid
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
amanda sakovitz says
I make sure we eat healthy
Margie says
We maintain balance by starting our mornings early to get a head-start on everything that needs to be done.
Debbie B says
i try to keep balance by sticking to a regular routine
Amy Tong says
tweeted:
https://twitter.com/uTry_it/status/645392066046889984
amy [at] utry [dot] it
Amy Tong says
I create balance for my family by setting set schedules and get them outdoor play time each day.
amy [at] utry [dot] it
Tara O. says
I maintain balance by letting my daughter choose a fun thing to do one day of the weekend and then I get to choose what we do the other day!
Jennai says
I try to keep a balance by letting my kids play with their iPads, etc. , but also that they get an equal amount of time outside playing and exercising
JenniferAnne74 @ aol.com
Rebecca says
My kids eat apples for snacks and play a lot outside for exercise.
Tina m says
https://twitter.com/HappyTina0115/status/634883405474349056
Tina m says
we eat dinner together as a family and go for a walk after dinner.
janetfaye says
Tweet:
https://twitter.com/Janetfaye/status/627696157133795328
janetfaye says
I create balance by enjoying fun times with my family and serious talks and listening time.
maria cantu says
We eat fruits and vegetables and go bike riding almost everyday.
sean says
I make time for prayer and meditation each day to stay balanced
Melinda says
tweeted
https://twitter.com/MelindaJoy926/status/619565724693069825
Melinda says
We keep sundays reserved for church and family time, and work is only monday-saturday. We try to hang out as a family at night and on wknds to keep a good balance!
OFG says
We try to stay active together typically with walks and bike rides in the evening.
OFG says
https://twitter.com/OneFrugalGirl/status/616320054892843009
rachel cartucci says
https://twitter.com/RayrayCrisman/status/616239281929981953
tweeted.
Thanks
rachel cartucci says
We follow a routine which is really important for my son because of his autism. We have our routine and when things need to change we try to give lots of warning.
shea balentine says
I tweeted! https://twitter.com/lilahshea/status/616092277480554496
shea balentine says
We create balance by sticking to a routine and spending time together while doing it =)
Leah Shumack says
Sticking to a schedule is the best way to create balance! We start school schedule about a week before the kids go back. And once school and activities begin their days and dinner and everything is scheduled out so we all know what’s going on!
Nathan Kirsch says
I create a balance by making sure that I separate work time from family time.
denise a says
My family keeps balance in their life by sticking to our daily routines and getting lots of exercise
Donna K says
I tweeted: https://twitter.com/donnak4/status/616031726779772928
Linda G. says
I try to set a quiet time once a day even if it is for a short time, so we can wind down.
Julie Hawkins says
I try to create balance by making sure we eat healthy and get a mix of learning and physical activity
Donna K says
We try to exercise and eat well.
Kathleen Hand says
I have a calendar to keep our activities on. If we have an empty day, we make a game plan for it in the morning and go from there.
Sherry Conrad says
Tweet link https://twitter.com/dddiva/status/615981178361786368
Sherry Conrad says
We limit extracurricular activities to some extent so everyone also has some down time, some family time and some personal space.
Jerry Marquardt says
I publicly Tweeted this giveaway: https://twitter.com/versatileer/status/615978952746602496
Jerry Marquardt says
I you create balance for your family by having s set schedule, especially for dinner time.
Sarah C says
We create balance by making sure we have a daily agenda, and always have time for a family dinner together.
nancy says
https://twitter.com/c5519/status/615957145335435264
Ali Celestno says
We always make sure we have dinner at the table every night together and always have quality family time activities on the weekends.
Laurie Emerson says
I create balance for my family by making sure that there is always time for doing chores but also plenty of time for play.
Kathryn C says
my #Sweepstakes Entry tweet:
https://twitter.com/thrincor/status/615929364564283392
KC
[email protected]
Kathryn C says
#Sweepstakes Entry:
try to create balance by making sure to enjoy one outdoor activity/ exercise with them several times a week
KC
[email protected]
angie says
I tweeted here: https://twitter.com/MsTofuFairy/status/615927446462951424
angie says
We stay balances by trying to get all chores done thru the week, so that the weekend is reserved for nothing but fun.
Roxann says
I try not to schedule too many things for the same day so we are not overwhelmed with things that we have to do.
SHANDA CLARK says
I do not have a set Day to Day Schedule so my days are a little hectic and Stressful at times. Some days I just go with the flow and others are chaotic because I run around like a Chicken with my head cut off!!
Lisa Voyce says
I find balance by setting plans and having a schedule. This makes for less stressful times.
rajee says
https://twitter.com/momsfocus/status/615809153156538369
rajee says
I really need to try it
Bert Ruiz says
tweeted https://twitter.com/iamdadtastic/status/615805841074098176
Bert Ruiz says
We create balance by eating healthy homemade meals and exercising
Breanne says
We eat our meals together.
nancy says
I like to read in my favorite chair
nancy says
I keep a bowl of fresh fruit for snacks
Crystal F says
My family finds balance by spending the weekends outside together. My oldest daughter plays travel softball so we spend a ton of time at a softball field. Thankyou!
Stephanie Larison says
https://twitter.com/Stephanie64030/status/615627102927241217
Stephanie Larison says
We always eat dinner together and talk about our day.
Ed says
We have a backyard vegetable garden.
Lisa Garner says
I Tweeted: https://twitter.com/lisalmg/status/615592475051298816
Lisa Garner says
I create balance for my family by making sure every has their own space and time.
tiffany lane says
we try to have one meal together a day
Katiria says
We create balance by eating healthy all day and exercising in the morning to start the day and we let the kids have 1 treat every day after lunch which can be anything they want like a candy or ice cream.
Betty C says
Tweet – https://twitter.com/willitara/status/615433471071232000
Betty C says
My children are all adults with homes of their own so finding balance is taking the time to still connect with them. Sometimes it’s quick phone call and other times it’s a visit.
Richard Hicks says
https://twitter.com/ardy22/status/615390354838286336
Richard Hicks says
We always make sure everyone sits down together for at least one meal
Ellie Wright says
I create balance for my family by taking the time to feed them right and spend time just being with them. i think the greatest thing a parent can do is just spend time giving all their attention to their children.
Brenda Elsner says
We try to do things together as a family.
Brooke R. says
I am still working to try to find balance…but we do try to take time just to spend quality time with the kiddos each day.
Erica B. says
We eat healthy meals together.
Daniel M says
try to eat a fruit and veggies every day
Katherine says
https://twitter.com/mkjmc/status/615108247750578176
Katherine says
It is stuff but I try to keep the same routine everyday~
erica best says
we love our play time indoors and out and we love cook as family
Susan Smith says
https://twitter.com/susan1215/status/614877313281486849
Susan Smith says
We keep a balance by limiting screen time and going outside to play.
Tina W says
tweeted: https://twitter.com/tinawoo21/status/614672809835409408
Tina W says
I try to keep balance by having only healthy options for meals most of the time but occasionally letting loose by doing whipped-cream and waffles for dinner.
Thomas Murphy says
tweeted
https://twitter.com/thomasmurphy40/status/614663604974055424
Thomas Murphy says
I create balance for my family by making sure to make time for everything from school to play time.
Tabathia B says
tweet https://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/614655986557652992
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Tabathia B says
By making sure we spend quality time together and as siblings that they spend quality time together and do activities with them
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Kerry says
tweeted: https://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/614624499108048896
Kerry says
I create a balance by making sure we always have some family time for either breakfast or dinners on the weekends.
ELIZABETH P says
https://twitter.com/eliza_elliott/status/614568664394678272
ELIZABETH P says
I create balance by showing the kids that a healthy life starts with good foods..we garden together and take walks together too
Denise L says
tweeted – https://twitter.com/dmarie824/status/614549444663513088
Denise L says
I find that insisting the family sits down at the dinner table together really adds balance to my life.
Amanda Sakovitz says
tweet
https://twitter.com/aes529/status/614465157977239552
Amanda Sakovitz says
Running helps me balance my day. It makes me less stressed so I can finish everything else.
AIMEE FREEMAN says
WE REALLY LOVE GAME NIGHT AND FAMILY FITNESS. AFTER DINNER WE WILL TAKE A WALK AS A FAMILY. OR HEAD OUT TO THE BACKYARD TO CATCH LIGHTNING BUGS OR MAKE CHALK ART. SOME NIGHTS WE PLAY SCAVENGER HUNT OR OBSTACLE COURSE. ITS NOT ALWAYS EASY TO FIT THESE ACTIVITIES IN. BUT I TRY TO DO IT EVERY DAY. I THINK ITS GOOD TO KEEP THE KIDS MOVING AND MY MOVING AND SPEND QUALITY TIME TOGETHER.
Venus Marie Lay says
I create balance by keeping a calendar and keeping track of the events and activities we want to take part in or be a part of in our lives.
Karen Drake says
I have a plan for the day but have time set aside for fun activities and rest.
Tamara says
Tweeted! https://twitter.com/pixel_berry_pie/status/613523500318519296
Tamara says
Spending family time together helps us create balance and keep up with each other. Routinely have family dinners or game nights are good ideas.
Kathy Pease says
https://twitter.com/klp1965/status/613431333403119617
Kathy Pease says
We create balance by helping each other out in all situations
Leela says
We make sure to spend time together whenever we can.
April V. says
I try to make all activities, whether they are getting exercise or exercising the brain, fun and interesting and as short or long as it needs to be. Anything forced will not become fun just because you want it to and if it isn’t fun, then it won’t get done.
Rosanne says
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/rosannepm/status/612840879183806464
Rosanne says
Sometimes I create balance by saying no to things we don’t need to do.
Becca says
We try to plan to some extent but not to the point of stress. It just helps to have an idea of who is doing what when :)
Michelle Washburn says
I try to keep the schedule similar as much as possible.
Michelle Washburn says
https://twitter.com/tweeteeface/status/612722281329086464 Entry #1
erica best says
https://twitter.com/purplelover04/status/612718117433802753
erica best says
planning ahead of time
Rebecca Graham says
I balance our lives by planning ahead of time and sticking to the schedule.
Debbie B says
i posted a tweet here:
https://twitter.com/bellows22/status/612464774698274816
Debbie B says
i stay balanced by keeping to a regular routine ! I like to keep things easy and simple- no need to stress over things!
Kathleen says
I create balance by making sure my daughter has a lot of activities to do but not so many that she gets burned out. I allow for many days off etc.
kport207 at gmail dot com
Jennifer M says
We make eating together at the table a priority.
Virginia says
We have balance by letting laughter run rabid in our house. That sound can make even the worse day better.
Kimberly Hilbert says
We create balance by having a daily plan. Time for tv, time for play, time for taking a long walk and time for reading. Everything in moderation, that is balance.
Michelle H. says
I create balance by having a time for work and a time for play.
Kiara says
I create balance by planning things ahead of time.
[email protected]
Ashley C says
We create balance by having quiet time and time together just the four of us.
demureprincess7(at)gmail(dot)com
Lisa Ward says
I pretty much follow a routine throughout the day , mornings breakfast, clean up and playtime either out side or in.. afternoon lunch and some learning time with ABC mouse , nap time , gives me me time and do some chores around the house , then we play and do dinner and some nick junior. .
joel.sternenberg says
yes i like it send to me
Charlene says
Here is my tweet: https://twitter.com/Alwayzdreamin/status/609103387565666304
Thank you!
Charlene says
I create balance by trying to keep things as simple as possible. This way no one is overwhelmed. I also realized that I’m only human, and things don’t always have to be perfect.
D Schmidt says
tweeted https://twitter.com/mummytotwoboys1/status/608780981739352064
D Schmidt says
I create balance by taking time to plan, think and discuss with my family.
joe gersch says
I create balance in my life by meditation
joni says
https://twitter.com/smilekisses/status/607762372854484992
joni says
We keep balance by sharing our days events at the dinner table.
Shannon says
https://twitter.com/shiebs24b/status/607654017028759556
Shannon says
I try to keep balance by spending quality time together…but also fun alone time like reading, drawing, playing with “guys” to keep our imagination active!
Tina m says
https://twitter.com/HappyTina0115/status/606154302885761024
Tina m says
we go for a walk after dinner as family
Tracey byram says
I create balance by sticking to a schedule.
Wanda McHenry says
https://twitter.com/myfolly/status/605969656617123840
Wanda McHenry says
I create balance by sticking to an every day routine so things run smoothly.
katie says
We create balance by reserving “me time” and family time.
Robin says
We try to limit ‘screen’ time and plan outdoor activities as much as possible.
shelly peterson says
tweeted
https://twitter.com/cshell202/status/605307145899212800
cshell090869 at aol dot com
shelly peteron says
I create balance by trying to eat right, going for walks, getting enough sleep and taking vitamins.
cshell090869 at aol dot com
Kimberley Meier says
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/MRSMEIER5627/status/604876246762135552
Kimberley Meier says
I try to keep to a schedule for the day without too much crammed in so that it’s chaotic.
Lauren E. says
We keep balance by keeping things structured so that she gets to have a lot of play but sleeps early.
sherri crawford says
i try to stick with a regular schedule for our life
Anastasia Falling says
Tweeted :) – https://twitter.com/Enter_Now/status/603809077358133248
Anastasia Falling says
I try to put moderation into everything! Stay balanced by not doing too much of any one thing :)
Denise S says
I keep balance by making sure we do lots of different things every day.
mickeyfan says
We try to balance activity, learning, healthy food and fun.. Some days it works, some it doesn’t.
Christina G. says
I tweeted: https://twitter.com/PuffyBiggles/status/603742106000195584
Christina G. says
I create balance for my family by spending fun time together whenever possible. Thanks for the giveaway!
Ashley C says
I create balance by trying to not allow too many extra curricular activities and having a somewhat similar routine every day. I also create routine by encouraging family time ( I really like for us to go on after dinner walks as a family and give each person an opportunity to talk)
Mary B says
fruit snacks and outdoor time!
Debbi Wellenstein says
We eat healthy, get plenty of rest, and exercise our minds as well as our bodies.
Stephanie V. says
good night’s rest, activity during the day, water, healthy foods, and vitamins!
tvollowitz at aol dot com
nickie says
We create balance by going on family walks
Sandy Klocinski says
https://twitter.com/Attea2d/status/603574568180146176
Sandy Klocinski says
We ask for help and allow ourselves to be helped and contributed to. We work together as a team. We recruit friends, family, neighbors etc. and ask for their support. Surprises are inevitable. We prepare by creating back-up and emergency plans; we always have a contingency.
Lauren Olivia Wood says
Living a clean, Godly life keeps me balanced!
Kimmy Ripley says
I create balance in our family by cooking healthy meals six times a week and then once a week we have an anything-goes kind of day!
sarah hirsch says
we create balance in our family by having plenty of free play time mixed in with the schedule of school and a couple other activities that are planned
Margaret Smith says
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/peg42/status/603551667548725249
Thanks so much.
Margaret Smith says
I create balance for my family trying to keep the family on schedule and not to over schedule any of us in one day.
Madeline says
Tweet link: https://twitter.com/shala_darkstone/status/603530754627252224
Madeline says
We take family walks together and try to spend some quality time with one another, like playing board games.
margaret peg m says
hi, here is link to twitter comment…https://twitter.com/58mpeg/status/603053333037883392
margaret peg m says
my kids are grown now, but i have 3 small grandchildren that i carve out time for, just special time w/ bamma. just one on one playtime does wonders for their sense of freedom and trust.
Stephanie Phelps says
I create balance with my family by keeping a routine and feeding them healthy food!
Nicole D says
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/lil_lady_dz/status/601649705769021440
Nicole D says
I create balance by getting my family outdoors for some active activities and supplying them with healthy snacks.
Gina M says
tweet–https://twitter.com/WildOrchid985/status/600020116844244993
Gina M says
i create balance by incorporating healthy snacks and plenty of movement throughout our day
Thanks for the chance to win!
wildorchid985 AT gmail DOT com
Cynthia C says
Tweet
https://twitter.com/clc408/status/599611508880965632
Cynthia C says
I find balance in my life by combining activity and quiet time making sure there is time for both every day.
Erika says
Reading, baking, or other quiet activities.
mysweetiepiepie says
My hubby and I do a lot of gardening together and like to spend time together whenever we can.
sean says
I listen to worship music on the way to and from work. It helps prepare me for a busy day or helps me unwind from one. This gives me balance.
melinda says
I try to take time to read/pray/journal at night before bed. It helps me maintain my balance in life and lets me unwind before bed. Win Win!
Barbara M says
Tweet https://twitter.com/JalapenoMama/status/598666431744475136
Barbara M says
We have a regular bed and meal time.
This gives our family balance.
thank you
Andrea Mitchael says
I think this a great way of thinking about daily routines! It makes sense to have activity times spread throughout the day, not necessarily at specific times, but at specific events! I think it’s a great idea to have the vitamins in the bathroom! Clever :) Thanks for linking-up with Tuesday Talk last week! We’d love to have you again today!
~Andrea || MitchaelJourney.com
BusyWorkingMama says
We create balance by planning ahead, sharing chores and staying organized.
Nicole D says
Tweet: https://twitter.com/lil_lady_dz/status/597283953406382080
Nicole D says
I create balance with my family by staying active outdoors, and eating a well balanced diet with the right nutrition.
Diana B says
We create balance with music time and quiet time.
latanya t says
https://twitter.com/sweetums82/status/596701420822372352
latanya t says
I try to include my son or my husband will take him outside or somewhere
Christine Oh says
I create balance by making jokes to cheer up my family.
Elle says
Tweet: https://twitter.com/PrettyHotPink6/status/595976848972079105
Elle says
I create balance by staying organized and keeping schedules so there is as little stress and chaos as possible.
Sarah Patch says
I have 3 children. 2 boys ages 2 & 4 and a daughter who’s 13. My daughter has special medical, physical, & educational needs. This requires us (the kids, her nurses & I) to spend a lot of time in doctor appointments, waiting rooms, & hospital cafeterias/snack bars. I bring a tote bag with stickers, crayons, paper, markers, glue sticks along with little quiet toys (ie cars or books). While waiting, I’ll sneak in a simple/fast/easy project for the boys & sometimes my daughter will do. Projects like making birthday cards, get well cards, or I love you cards are good easy things to do, especially if we have to get packed up in a hurry & they can always come back & finish them. One time when my daughter was in surgery, I got the boys paint with water pages which worked great. They also have dry erase crayons & markers that work on reusable colouring/activity books. Pipe cleaners make great art materials to make people, flowers & pictures. Usually the kids will bring home their project to give to daddy or to whom ever. I feel I can time with them doing something productive. Hope this helps!
Maeghyn Koehler says
I find balance in unplugging and playing with my son.
Rebecca says
We try to eat balanced meals and get our rest.
Theresa says
https://twitter.com/capriplusthree/status/595304739350294529
Julie Wood says
I create Balance for my family by doing exercises that we love. We go for walks, or bike riding and we eat a healthy balanced diet and take a good vitamin to make sure that we are getting all of our nutrition!
Theresa says
We create balance in our family by mixing up physical activities, crafts, learning to read and play time. There is time for a little bit of everything.
Lisa Brown says
https://twitter.com/LuLu_Brown24/status/595293052777861120
Sarah Hall says
I try to find balance by reading to my children and letting them give their opinions on books and other subjects that matter.
Lisa Brown says
I create balance for my family by feeding them well and making sure we go outside, be active, and have fun.
Mary says
I find balance by following a simple weekly schedule. We have different activities we do each day, such as playgroup on Thursdays, grocery shopping on Mondays, park on Tuesdays, etc. I have an infant and toddler so I try to keep it real simple and not jam too much activity into each day. Downtime is essential for happy babies and happy mommas!! :)
Teresa says
I can get so distracted with things that it helps to have my daughter remind me to play. She’s like a elephant, she never forgets. Her reminder “mom we need mommy time” helps me to put aside the unnecessary or set a time to do an activity with her
Julie Deadwyler says
I find balance by taking my boys to our nearby botanical gardens, nature preserve, or museums one or two days a week, and then planning fun activities or play dates at home or at friends’ houses the other days of the week.
Cindy says
We find balance through floor play, imagination moments when I can engage in thr play and cooking together. On hard days I often find myself saying, it just takes one thing to turn around this day-be that turn.
Emily Chang says
https://twitter.com/emelfr/status/595111157888782336
Emily Chang says
I find balance by gardening with my children and “checking on our plants” to break up our time indoors. Going outside and seeing how things have grown calms everyone down!
Sarah Sale says
I find balance by setting time to focus only on my boys when we go out for our evening walk. They can explore, stop and go, set the pace, and I follow.
Penelope says
I work from home, too, and it’s so hard balancing work with kids when you’re surrounded by both at the same time. I find balance by making sure we get out of the house at least five out of seven days a week. We try to go outside on nice days, or at least to the store. It’s hard now that I have a toddler and an infant, but just doing it, just going through the motions of getting out often makes it a tiny bit easier each time.
Jessie C. says
-https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/595057265889054720
Jessie C. says
I make sure we eat healthy and have everyone out to exercise during weekends.
tcarolinep at gmail dot com
Laura Swain says
I always struggle with balance, but one way I strive for it is by slowing down. When I find that we’re having an off day, I drop what I’m doing and sit on the floor with my kiddos and just watch and listen.
Jennifer says
I find balance by reading to my daughter before bed!
maria cantu says
I find balance by taking short walks after dinner.
Kristen says
tweeted
https://twitter.com/rubylorikeet/status/594287984792313856
Kristen says
We all like sweets, but we try not to keep them at home…that way it’s a special treat when we go out for ice cream (or whatever sugary deliciousness on a given day!)
steve weber says
tweet – https://twitter.com/groogruxking40/status/594254192073510912
steve weber says
I find balance by making sure everyone knows each other’s schedules.
Julie Matek says
We find balance by working out as a family; )
Megan Scharlau says
Balance for my family mostly comes from finding time that we can all spend together without anything stressful. Just focus on relaxing and enjoying each other and nature
Jesscia V. says
I maintain balance by making sure I schedule enough time to do something fun with my family that everyone can enjoy.
heather says
I create balance for my family by sticking to a routine and having fun each day with each other.
Pamela Gurganus says
I tweeted about this promotion. https://twitter.com/PJGurganus/status/593949841409052674
Pamela Gurganus says
I create balance for my family by sticking to a routine, staying organized, and preparing healthy meals.
Jessica To says
I find balance by having a schedule but being flexible with it.
Natalie says
I create balance in my family by not overscheduling either myself or my daughter. Sometimes too many activities and events causes more stress than it is worth. I also make an effort to get outside and get active every day with my family.
Mami2jcn says
tweet–https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/593914466695249920
Mami2jcn says
I find balance my squeezing exercise into my day by taking my kids along.
Julie Wood says
Tweet Entry
https://twitter.com/JewelWood/status/593849278365192192
Julie Wood says
I keep balance in my life by having boundaries with others and when I am busy with family I need to stay focused on my son and daughter and not take that phone call right in the middle of homework. I also say no to others when I know that I do not have to time. And I understand and accept that I am not a Superhero and I can not get everything done and I ask others in my family for help.
Kelly D says
tweet
https://twitter.com/Kellydpa/status/593847597724528644
Kelly D says
I create balance for my family by spending time outside and helping them with their school work every night.
Michelle Ingoglia says
I find myself adding fun to every day routines more often than I find myself actually planning out fun activities. Our “family time” is right after dinner to bedtime (about 5:30 to 7:30) every night; but even in the mornings when things are hectic, we still play silly games like ISpy, would you rather or silly tickle games. I also tend to wake the kids up with puppets and silly voices most mornings. :) Time may be against us, but fun can be had at any time, even when it’s not scheduled. :)
Kimmy Ripley says
My daughter is pretty independent. I am able to get things done while she entertains herself.