So, I had mentioned I was starting to implement some new routines around here. I've attempted to weekly chore routines over the years with varied success, but have found now that Nora's older and I'm juggling two kids plus housework, my routines needed to be revamped. Not only do I need to make sure we have clean underwear and dinner on the table, but I'm wanting to include some regular learning activities to do with Nora. These are daily cues that help me plan for the week and work on age-appropriate skills.
Here it is:
("missional community" is our church small group and time at Oma's is with my mom, Nora's grandma)
Honestly, right now, we are doing maybe one or two days of activities a week and I've been okay with that. We are trying to squeeze every last drop out of the pleasant fall weather we've been having, enjoying playdates and Nora is taking a basketball class right now (how cute is that?!). But as the weather grows colder and life slows down a bit, I am planning on being home more and making more use of this routine. Generally we are doing these activities in the morning during Silas' naptime or during that awkward after-nap, before dinner time. We've also started to focus on a letter a week (or two).
Making applesauce during the letter "A" week.
I am not trying to be rigid about these activities but want it to be fun for Nora and something she can look forward to. I'm a firm believer that at this age, the most important thing I can be doing to encourage her to be a life-long learner is to incite her curiosity and creativity. There is so much to discover in this amazing world!
More than anything, I'm realizing my priority needs to be spending intentional time with my girl. She will only be this little for so long and I want to seize each day with her! This is such a time of wonder and giggles, excitement and a pure spirit of play. It's funny to think I need to make a plan to make sure I don't miss it, but it's true, I do.
And, I have a lot to learn from her too. Just the other day, I asked her to help me hang laundry on the line in the backyard - she is my clothespin "dispenser". My thinking was "good opportunity for her to learn about keeping a home and how to serve others". Once we got outside, Nora dutifully helped me for a few minutes before the 6 inch deep golden leaves from our maple tree were just too tempting. She exclaimed "Mommy! Mommy! Let's make a pile of leafs so I can jump in them! And when Silas wakes up, he can jump in them too!" No, it wasn't part of "the plan", but frolicking and laughing while throwing leaves in the air and in our hair ended up being the best part of my week.
Do you have any kind of a weekly routine? How do you make sure to spend intentional time with your kids?
