(Implying not so subtly that those who do follow a routine are anal retentive obsessives.)
I struggle with routines, not because I'm a free spirit, but because I'm an undisciplined slob. I like the *idea* of routines more than I actually like the routines. Similarly, I like the *idea* of being fit much more than I like actually running to get fit. (btw, Amelia & I are C25K'ing & Hugo has just joined us this week. More about that another time.)
But one thing that occurred to us early on in our parenting career is that kids remember the stuff 'we always do' much more than the 'one of'. So they'll remember the day in, day out dinner 'routine' (even if it's kind of chaotic and disorganized) much more than some special event you arrange once in a blue moon.
Similarly, our kids want to go to the same campground each year - it's 'what we do'. We 'always' do it. Well, we haven't always done it & we won't always do it, but do it enough times, and it becomes a general family memory of holidays.
Just like they'll have a general blob of family memory of debates during dinner and rather breathless first weeks of homeschool where we can't find pencils and the schedule is all wrong and mom keeps drinking too much coffee.
Routines need not be squelching or annoying or sour. You can slot really fun things into your routine.
For example, last January, Amelia and I decided to make a routine of having a girls night every Friday, where we'd hide from the guys with a DVD player and watch ER chronologically (the WTM way, LOL), starting with season one. (the guys either watch something on their own - usually Star Wars, Star Trek or similar, or work on a model plane, or invent things in the workroom)
And so, here we are: Week One of 2010-11 school is over, Friday night has rolled around again, we will be putting our books away any moment, & Amelia and I are looking forward to some quality time.
Now that's not such a bad routine, is it?
What about you? Do you have routines? Do you have rewards for yourself in your routine? Do you have routine ways to reconnect or stay connected with your loved ones?
5 comments:
that picture... all i can say is... wow. heart be still!
Great post and yummy picture. LOL. I'm very much a routine type person and I love how you worded it. Thankfully the kids will remember what we did most often. I find that quite the nice reminder when I catch myself blowing it every now & then.
First off, that's great that you've taken on the C25K challenge. Running is such a great workout, it's cheap, easy, you can do it anywhere and you can bring the dogs! Except for the Polar Bear who pouts the whole way. I bet Darwin will be thrilled!
I was going to say something about that fabulous ER episode entitled "Love's Labor Lost" but then I saw the photo and I forgot what exactly I was going to say...lol!
AHA... George Clooney. Now where's that chocolate and massage? I want *that* as part of MY routine!
I struggle with routines, not because I'm a free spirit, but because I'm an undisciplined slob
Oh, that could be me :)
Wait, that IS me.
I do like your Friday night routine :)
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