A daily schedule will communicate the family's shared goals and will allow your child to contribute to his/her accomplishment.

Here are some simple steps to help you create a daily schedule for your family.

1. Start by analyzing your day. Try doing a simple time study. Use a daily calendar and note what each family member is doing at each time of the day. Watch out for problem times and think about how to structure the schedule to eliminate problems (problems related to hunger, stress, behavior, disorganization, etc.)

2. Decide what your schedule goals are. Do you desire less confusion in the morning? How about homework completed by bedtime? Is having a clean home one of your goals? What about family play time, children in bed by a certain hour, or relaxation for you and your spouse? Be sure to balance family activities with family rest-this is very important. Take a honest look at both parent and child needs.

3. Write it down. Put the family schedule on a poster board and hang in a high traffic area for all to see. Let the family know you will now be following this schedule. Stand firm against opposition.

4. Follow the schedule for one week. Check it often and let it guide your days for one week. Have the children check the schedule and follow it. Ultimately you want the children to learn to take responsibility for their part of the schedule.

5. Schedule tweaking. Once you're through the first week, check your schedule for what is working and what is not. Make the necessary changes and rewrite the schedule on a new poster board. Hang it back in it's high traffic area spot for all to see. Continue to follow the family schedule until it comes naturally for your family.

Successful scheduling to you!

Copyright © Lisa Fraley