It may not be official until Sept. 21, but it sure feels like summer is ending. Whether your children are in school or not, many things in life are now revolving around school year schedules. Rather than fight the system, we can make the school calendar work for us by establishing and maintaining some simple routines. There are many things about our circumstances that are beyond our control, but intentional little changes can give us more control over our responses to those circumstances.

At first taking the time to think through your schedule and intentionally put into place some simple routines may feel like a task for which you have no time. Maintaining a routine as a parent is not an easy task. And is it really necessary? The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 14:40 –“ do all things decently and in order.” Over the years, I have found that a routine usually increases my efficiency, makes life more peaceful. I feel more in control, and my children have learned lessons about the importance of managing the world around them.

Mom – you set the pace. What’s the best way to wake up ready for your day? Go to bed early, arise early enough to have a few minutes to yourself before the children wake up. Plan some quiet time with the Lord, take a shower, get dressed, have a cup of coffee or tea, make your bed. Everyone will have a different approach. The goal here is to start the day on a positive note, feeling you are ready for the plans of the day.

Teach your children to plan out their wake up times as well. Should they lay out their clothes the night before? Would a checklist of morning tasks help? Encourage cooperation with stickers or a check mark for each task completed with a positive attitude. Little ones may just need your cheery greeting when taking them out of the crib. Allow yourself a few minutes to just focus on your child. When you have prepared yourself for the morning, you will be more inclined and able to enjoy their presence as you start the day. Their smiles will make you feel good and your smiles will remind them how much they are loved and secure in your care. Your behavior models for them a picture of our Heavenly Father’s love and care for His children.

Now for your daily routine, non-negotiable practices that will help you reach specific goals. Be intentional with how you spend your time. Remember that when you say “yes” to one thing, you are saying “no” to something else. Make a list of your child/family needs in this season of life. Don’t forget that spiritual character training is more important than academic training. Make time to read on a regular basis and choose books that are not only fun and informative but teach life lessons. We enjoyed reading to our children each night at bedtime. Talk time and prayer followed the stories. Such routines make children feel safe. Use circumstances for “relationship training.” Moments when you enjoy each child, connecting with them, laughing together, talking about silly things. Watch for moments to weave in your faith in a way that is as natural as breathing. We each have a certain number of hours and there is always more available than can be squeezed into those hours. Think long term when making choices and consider what plays the most important part in developing your child, strengthening your family, sharing your witness, for the years to come.

As much as possible, explain your plan for the day to your children. Such inclusion helps them get on board with your ideas and feel more prepared for your expectations.

In our busy, demanding world it is easy to get caught up in the tyranny of the immediate. A routine puts you back in control and helps you “do all things decently and in order.”