I’ve noticed over the years as we’ve added on more kids that I (and they) do better with flexible rhythms to our days vs. completely structured days. This is just what works for us, at least right now. I’ve tried the schedule type idea many times, but always hit a wall of it not working and just generally stressing me out. Today on the blog I’m sharing with you how to create a daily rhythm at home (by giving you examples of our rhythm throughout the day too).

What’s a rhythm?

According to the Cambridge dictionary: “a regular movement or pattern of movements” or “a regular pattern of change, especially one that happens in nature”. So, applying that to our day - that is a regular pattern that we go about our day. Predictable. Natural. Free flowing.

How to create a rhythm for your days

I focus on our priorities and the energy levels of the kids and myself and base it all around that.

Examples of our daily rhythms

Mornings: We all naturally wake up usually around 7-7:30. I need about 30 minutes to get going for the day. We usually have breakfast around 8. The energy is lower here, so I usually take some time for quiet reading and prayer.

Midmornings: After breakfast, we head into school after getting ready for the day. If it’s not a school day, we’ll dive into some activity. Projects around the house, getting outside, just some kind of movement. My natural energy levels usually dip by about 11, so we aim to be done school around then to have some free play time or whatever else pops up. I usually spend some time here doing some work – usually a social media post or blog or the likes of that. We then naturally break for lunch around 12.

Afternoons: For years now, we’ve had quiet time in the afternoons. It used to be just nap time, but with various ages in our family, it’s now called quiet time. At 1pmish most days, I set the boys up for their quiet time. “Hey boys! It’s quiet time. Pick a tidy task to do in your room, read your book for your school reading for x amount of time, and then play quietly until Josie is asleep.” This lasts from about 1 to 2 depending on the day. It’s a nice period of time for me too to usually have some quiet. Sometimes I’ll just rest. Sometimes I’ll read or answer emails. When Josie is asleep, the boys now can have a bit of screen time until Josie is awake and while I usually work here. Some days, I do choose to rest, depending on the day. But most days, I enjoy working in the quiet. I pop on an audio training usually and go about some of the priority work tasks.

Evenings: We have supper around 5 right now and aim for getting ready for bed at 6:30 with everyone. Pyjamas on, cleaned up, in bed. I usually exercise with the baby during this time here too as I’ve found it to be the best time of day for me. I’m usually toast after that, so if I have any work left to do, I make sure it’s more lowkey, not as much thinking kinds of tasks. I’ve recently been trying to end the day with a bit of writing, reading, praying too. The best way to end the day for myself and to encourage a restful sleep too!

Want to redo your days and create some rhythms for your days too? You may like the rhythm builder template I put together for you. Feel free to send me an email at simplehomemom@gmail.com if you’d like that for free.

Hi, I’m Kelly! I’m a mother of four children - three boys, one toddler girl - and our family lives on the beautiful east coast of Canada. I’m a past elementary teacher, turned stay at home, work at home mom eight years ago after I had my second child. I’ve found that the busier I’ve become and as my children age, that it’s become even more important to figure out what is most important to me and us as a family. Living a simpler lifestyle has helped us in so many ways in our home life - from better routines to faster tidying up times. It has been through my children that I have been inspired to learn how to effectively manage my time and to simplify in all areas of my home and life. I enjoy helping busy moms simplify home life by teaching flexible planning methods and skills. Enjoyed this blog and think it would be helpful to others? I'd love if you shared it. Thank you!