Routines

Since the time change, the girls have been sleeping in later- until 7am most days! We love it on weekends, but during the week it makes the mornings a bit rushed and chaotic. Every morning is different and we were battling with allowing the girls independence to get themselves dressed and ready but needing to get out of the door to make it to work on time. After struggling with the girls each morning, we were left frustrated, they were frustrated and there were endless meltdowns which made the mornings miserable for everyone. We decided it was just too big of a switch with no real consistency for the girls (and us) so I made a routine chart for them. We have always thrived on schedules and consistency and this would be one way to lay out exactly what needed to be accomplished.

Here is the morning chart I made:

Today was day 1. We went over the chart last night at bedtime and the girls were really excited about it. They knew right away what each picture represented and were excited to see that once they got all these tasks completed, and if they did it quickly, there would be time to watch some Sesame Street before we leave in the morning. They were pretty pumped up about it and said right away that they could do it. We knew they could too. This morning when they woke up, the first thing they did was start reciting the chart and what they had to do. They got up, got dressed, put their shoes and socks on without a single bit of whining, crying, nagging by us or any meltdowns. There was plenty of time left for them to watch some Sesame Street before we had to leave and it was a peaceful morning for everyone. Hoping this continues!

Here is the night chart I made which we are going to review and use starting tonight.

Thank goodness they are so into this stuff! My little Type A's make Mama so proud!