Now there's no need to point out that they may not always be so cooperative because I know this. (I have been a parent for nearly 12 years now, you know.) I'm just hoping that their enthusiasm will last long enough that they will realize some of the benefits and that those benefits will help them to want to be self-disciplined in the future.
Obstacles
Because we've had something scheduled every single evening this week, the kids aren't getting to bed on time which means I haven't had the time I was planning on to work on projects and things I am interested in doing (i.e. blog, family history, etc.). We're also having trouble making time for errands, play dates, visiting teaching and the like. I'm not sure how to solve this problem, but I'm working on it. Benefits
The kids have had more play time throughout the day (but not all in one block of time, which would make play dates easier) and are playing with each other nicely. They are also getting their work and other responsibilities taken care of quickly and without complaining. I have made time for scripture study during the day and personal study time so I have a chance to read for a little while each day. Our family is reading scriptures and praying together each morning which has really set a good tone in our home for the day.Mom School
This has been the favorite part of the day for all of us. We have had so much fun "playing school". The kids ask for more work even after our 90 minutes of Mom School are over. And you wouldn't believe how much work we can get done in 90 minutes together. Chores
I scheduled 45 minutes of work time for the kids to do their chores: namely, tidy their rooms, do a daily job (anything from vacuuming to yard work), and a rotation job (put away clean dishes or watering the flowers or garden). 45 minutes has proven to be way more time than they need because they are FINALLY getting the concept that if they work quickly they'll have more free time. It's only taken 5 or so years of consistently giving them work that had to be done before play time. What can I say? They're gifted.Family Fun Time
I allotted 1 hour each day for Family Fun Time - the period of time where I will play with the kids. We take turns deciding what we'll do for Family Fun Time, but so far the ideas they've come up with are: play at park, go to library, put on a puppet show, dress up, tea party, read together, throw balls to each other, play board games. You get the idea. This is a highlight of the day for the kids for sure.Nap Time
After lunch I take a 45 minute nap. I would like a 2-hour nap, but 45 minutes gives me enough energy to make it through the rest of the day in a pleasant mood. Avery has been asleep through this time so far, but the kids know they are in charge of him if he wakes up early so they've been extra quiet to ensure he continues to sleep. I have also been pleasantly surprised that they haven't used this time (or any of their free time during the day) to watch TV.Restricted or Liberated?
All in all I have found our schedule thus far to be completely liberating because we're using our time wisely and my kids have been angels and I feel good at the end of the day because of how everything played out. I feel like we are actively working toward the goals that are most important to me. Although there are certainly some restrictions (i.e. waking up before some external force requires us to), the benefits have far outweighed the costs. There is a really good feeling in our home right now which I value more than those things we've given up. I want to take this opportunity to point out that I am not saying that anyone else should adopt this schedule. I don't profess to know what is best for anyone's family but my own.
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