5 Ways to Make Essential Routines More Fun
Routines are an essential part of an organized life. The more you do a routine, the easier it becomes. For some of us, routines are tedious. It’s in adding some spark to the mundane, everyday routine that makes it much easier. There are essential routines for all of us: getting stuff back to where it goes, getting ready for bed, and getting ready in the morning. Take a new perspective on these routines with these ways to make routines more fun.
Reset
If the idea of picking up each day and getting stuff back to where it goes is too dull, start by renaming this routine the RESET. A reset is where you get everything back to where it goes. The best time to do this is every evening, right after dinner. Set a timer and you have enough time to RESET for 15 minutes and then you are ready for the next day. Ask your family to partner together to get everyone in on the reset.
Shutdown
You and your kids need to get ready for bed and everyone is tired of hearing all the details. It’s time to start the SHUTDOWN. Explain to your family that when we say, SHUTDOWN, it’s time for you to brush your teeth, get in jammies and start your reading. Keeping it super simple, your family knows each step and you are all ready for bed on time.
Music playlist
Music touches our inner souls. What if you have a playlist for different routines in your home? Just like the Cleanup song for preschool, a pre-set playlist signals the time for everyone to start a morning routine. Morning can be especially rough for some of us and a playlist eliminates the need for talking.
Track it
Use a tracking tool to remind your family about individual tasks that are part of their routines. Make routines a team effort with a tracking tool that rewards everyone for keeping the routines going. Use a visual tracking tool, like adding marble to a jar, for each day you keep the routine. When you reach your short-term goal, and then your longer-term goal, everyone shares in the fun of an ice cream or dance party.
App it
There is always an app for that! Apps make it easy to stay on top of routines with reminders and rewards.
The more fun a routine is, the more unforgettable. Even if you can’t keep your routine daily, you can always get restarted on a routine. Just start back up the next day, morning or evening. Be positive about your routines and successes too.
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I love the terms “reset” and “shutdown”… great words that are something other than “cleaning up”… which I say just leads to people shoving stuff away. I often suggest “restore order,” but reset is even quicker!
Thanks! It’s all about what you call it to us. I think most families are tired of the same words. It may be a good rotation with reset and restore order
This is great, Ellen. I love listening to music in the morning, especially uplifting music. So, I made a playlist that has only uplifting and fun songs. It really does help with my energy and spirit in the morning. It’s a great way to start the day. Thanks for sharing these great tips.
Yes Sabrina! Music is a must at our home too. It makes everyone smile especially the NOT morning people.
Music is definitely one of my routines, the “reset” is a good idea to add. Routines are really good it helps you feel fulfilled in a way, but adding something to your routine can be difficult if you used to a certain routine. Thanks for sharing
It’s true – adding to routine can be frustrating. Some times we add too much at one time. It’s easiest to just add onto something you are already successful at doing.