I have been a Mom for 10 years.  I know there is still a lot I have to learn, but there are a few things I have learned that have helped me survive the last 10 years and manage to keep my sanity.

When one of my friends becomes a new Mom, the one word of advice I offer her is routine. One of the most important things my husband and I have done consistently is establish a daily routine.  Once we established this routine, we felt much more confident as parents.  Our children were not perfect, but they were at peace and very secure.

I have found that the days we drift away from our routine are the “meltdown” days for both the kids and for me personally.  Not knowing what is going to happen next is a source of stress for kids. Not only will it cause them stress, but eventually, they will begin to think that they call the shots in the family since no one else seems to know what is going on.   I have friends who let their 2 year olds take charge.  I slowly slink away, as I am sure most of their adult friends do.  Everyone knows what it’s like when a 2 year old calls the shots.  It’s ugly.

One way of keeping order in your life and theirs is to establish a daily routine.  Try making a chart or graph and putting it on your refrigerator so everyone in the family will always know what is going to happen next.  With small children, add a picture next to each schedule item so they can easily understand the chart.  Babysitter’s , Grandma’s and Grandpa’s will love you for being organized so they don’t have to guess about what to do next.

How you establish your schedule varies based on your own lifestyle.  If you are home all day with your children, or if you are a working parent, it is important to keep your kids on a consistent schedule.  They need to know what is going to happen next, giving them comfort and peace of mind.  A side benefit of establishing a schedule is that both you and your child will know without a doubt that you are the one in charge, not them.

Another side benefit is that your adult friends will not abandon you because they are scared of your 2 year old.

What routine tips and tricks work for you?  Let’s hear about it on the Blissfully Domestic Forum.  Let your thoughts be known!

Michelle is a full time stay at home mom of three spirited little girls.  Her husband is a pastor of a large church, and their lives are anything but normal.  Follow their adventures at http://www.michellewegner.typepad.com.