Yesterday, I wrote about a study from The American Academy of Pediatrics that revealed the alarming fact that over 90% of two-year-olds watch TV regularly, despite clear indications that it may be harmful. A review of my archives clearly indicates that I tend to go on and on about this subject.
Since I’ve spent a considerable time railing about kids watching too much TV, perhaps it’s time I discussed what to do instead. There are hundreds of articles available on the web with ideas on WHAT types of activities to do with your kids. What is less common is information on when to do it. Let me say, from personal experience that frantically surfing the web when your child is bored, crying, climbing the walls, doesn’t work.
What works for me is scheduling and rhythm. Despite the recent push back against Alpha Moms, there is something to be said for using your day planner to raise a child. Many Moms in my circle already have planned out the summer for their children filling the days with camps, outings and excursions. I too have scheduled a few activities, carefully slotting them in on different dates.
What I have been less careful to consider over the past few months but, want to return to is the idea of scheduling the day’s routine. One principle I learned from Waldorf is the concept of rhythm in the day. I wrote briefly about this here
With a very young child or with older children on summer break, scheduling the day into some sort of rhythm helps maintain consistency and seems to prevent an inordinate amount of stress – for parent or child! Following an “Inhale” – quiet activity with an “exhale”- active activity works with our natural rhythms. Look at any chart of typical blood sugar levels throughout the day and you can see why.
During this less scheduled time of year, we’ll try to stick to the following daily routine or rhythm.
Wake up
Read a story or play quietly together (inhale)
Eat breakfast (more inhale – we’re a little slow in the morning)
Work in the garden (exhale)
Get dressed (inhale)
Out the door for a scheduled activity or to play outside (exhale)
Lunch (inhale)
More outside play or activity (exhale)
Quiet time – read a story or listen to a story CD (inhale)
Scheduled creative “make something” play, indoors or out (exhale or exhale depending )
Dinner (inhale)
Story time and bed (more inhale to wind down)
So, this summer we’ll research and plan activities; arrange play dates and have fun. I’ll make a list of activities and purchase supplies for various activities at home and keep it handy to slot in where appropriate. I’ll keep the daily rhythm in mind and…hope for the best!
Since I’ve spent a considerable time railing about kids watching too much TV, perhaps it’s time I discussed what to do instead. There are hundreds of articles available on the web with ideas on WHAT types of activities to do with your kids. What is less common is information on when to do it. Let me say, from personal experience that frantically surfing the web when your child is bored, crying, climbing the walls, doesn’t work.
What works for me is scheduling and rhythm. Despite the recent push back against Alpha Moms, there is something to be said for using your day planner to raise a child. Many Moms in my circle already have planned out the summer for their children filling the days with camps, outings and excursions. I too have scheduled a few activities, carefully slotting them in on different dates.
What I have been less careful to consider over the past few months but, want to return to is the idea of scheduling the day’s routine. One principle I learned from Waldorf is the concept of rhythm in the day. I wrote briefly about this here
With a very young child or with older children on summer break, scheduling the day into some sort of rhythm helps maintain consistency and seems to prevent an inordinate amount of stress – for parent or child! Following an “Inhale” – quiet activity with an “exhale”- active activity works with our natural rhythms. Look at any chart of typical blood sugar levels throughout the day and you can see why.
During this less scheduled time of year, we’ll try to stick to the following daily routine or rhythm.
So, this summer we’ll research and plan activities; arrange play dates and have fun. I’ll make a list of activities and purchase supplies for various activities at home and keep it handy to slot in where appropriate. I’ll keep the daily rhythm in mind and…hope for the best!
For more great Works for me Wednesday ideas visit Rocks in My Dryer