I read a really great article today on SimpleMom.com about routine. It really challenged me. When Jude was born, I knew that I wanted to have him on a schedule – a routine, really. And because he was in the NICU for so long, they really helped to establish that routine. We (and Jude too) knew that every 3 hours, he would get a diaper change, have his temperature taken, eat a bottle, then take a nap. As time has gone on, obviously this routine has shifted. But Jude is still eating every three hours or so during the day, getting his diaper changed regularly, and enjoys regular naps at nearly the same time every day. I think it’s really good for him, and really good for me. To be honest, I haven’t had much to do with this routine; much of it was picking up on his cues and needs. In the afternoons, we get out of the house and do our errands. Sometimes we get out before noon, but not always.
But without a routine, I do all these things {things the author listed earlier} haphazardly. Things that aren’t necessarily important get my best energy, leaving the dregs for the stuff that really matters. But when I wake up and do the most essential things first, I get a good start to my day. They set my mind for focusing the rest of my day on things like my Most Important Tasks.
What great advice! I am challenged to better structure my time, so Jude and Simon can get the best parts of me.