By Mirley R. Graf

I believe in creating simple routines for our family. When there are structure and routines, my girls and I are more relaxed because there isn’t this chaos at home. I totally believe we can all create simple routines at home that helps the day move at ease.

Everyone’s schedule is different but it’s good to have room for work, play, and rest. When you place these three systems into place, you will see how more relaxed and calm everyone is. It’s important to reduce stress in our homes and routines really help with that.

Rest
- Naptime
- Reading
- Quiet time
Work:
- Homework
- Chores
Play
- Playtime
- Outdoor activities
- TV/Electronics

I personally like to begin the afternoon with a meal of some sort. So my girls come home from school at lunchtime because they are still little. So I make lunch for them. After lunch, I have REST time. My youngest naps and my oldest will either nap or have quiet time for two hours.

After rest, comes WORK. My girls are learning to do chores. My one year old just wants to help, even though I have to go back and redo what she does. Chores for my girls consist of folding small amounts of laundry. My oldest is also at an age that she can start dusting furniture. Simple chores get them excited and feel mature. If my daughter has some suggested homework, we’ll work on that instead or on another day.

After work comes PLAY. For play, my girls are allowed to watch shows like Signing Time, Magic School Bus or Dora. I keep their options small and everything is educational. On days where they don’t get TV, they have swim lessons. I also use the TV as a babysitter when I’m cooking. Other days, they just play in the playroom with my husband, and they really love that bonding time.

I hope this simple way of organizing your afternoon helps you to create calm and reduce stress.