rhythm and routine

Rhythm is an important part of Waldorf education and homemaking. Our family has seen the significance of it time and time again, especially with Nanners. It creates a happy home that is predictable and comforting. You never have to be a slave to your rhythm but use it as a tool to maintain peace and sanity to your home.

Taken by Koda

Our rhythms are based highly around sleep and food. My littles ( Nanners, Ryguy and Gid) are the main ones that benefit from our rhythm and those are the key points in our day. We use to hear Nanners ask nonstop " When can I eat?" With her sensory disorder she lacks the sensation to feel full. More often than not she would eat out of boredom or stuff her face until she vomited and then ask for more. True story as gross as it is. With using rhythm on our side she knows when to expect it. She still does ask occasionally for snacks but it is far less often and she has less anxiety regarding food.

taken by Koda

Bedtime however still is a slight battle even though the kids know its coming and anticipate it. Ryguy especially hates bedtime as he knows the older kids get to stay up later and he doesn't want to miss out on the fun. He also has a difficult time settling.  We have found the best way to help him is to have someone lay with him until he falls asleep which normally doesn't take more than a half hour. He can sometimes fall asleep on his own but it takes much longer. We would prefer him drift off peacefully so we oblige and just enjoy the cuddles. They are only little for so long.

So without any further ado here is a copy of our daily rhythm. It does look very different than most but it works for now with our family.

Wake

Breakfast ( Either done by mommy or Koda)

feed/water animals

play

lunch ( around 12-1:30)

quiet time or nap

play or story and craft with Daddy

snack

play - Mommy comes home

dinner

Circle time with Mommy or  Church on Monday nights

Bed

Taken by Koda

 Sometimes I feel we cling to it too much and are inflexible as even a fun trip to the zoo or a museum can cause major over stimulation and crabby and irritable children. However its ok. They will grow and enjoy it when their bodies and brains can keep up. You do not need to fill your schedule with activities and keep them "busy" all of the time. A healthy child knows how to play and just BE.

Be present

Be mindful

Have rhythm

What is the hardest part you feel to having a good rhythm? What stops you from fully implementing it in your home?