Routines, Routines, Routines, Routines

Mike and I are learning just how important it is to stick the the routines with Galen. One would think that after 10 years we would have sort of a clue. But guess not.

Neither of us comes from a back ground were we had strict routines for anything- our families were pretty laid back- that approach does not seem to work with my Galen. One can blame it on autism, or on him just being a kid.

But the fact remains that anything unusual will give us payback the first time we want him to wake up for something. And this weekend that was today.

He fights like a wild cat to wake up and get on the bus if he had a broken routine during the weekend. That means that the movie and ice cream was too much for him yesterday. Probably added on top of being at his cousin's house all day on Saturday. It got a little much for him to a point were he wanted to run home around noonish on Saturday. I don't think he is used to being picked on by girls near his age nor was used to sleeping in the basement because the toddlers were throwing up.

And then Sunday I brought them to their grandma's to play- and we stayed up a wee bit passed their bed times- I thought it would be ok- as there was no school the next day- but I guess not.

So here we are again, trying to figure just what percentage we can deviate from our routines and be safe for Galen. The percentage is looking smaller all the time.

As it is we already start our bedtime routine after school. They come home, have to play out side and do their chores. Then they are allowed 1/2 - 1 hour computer time. Then it is dinner time. They have to do their chores. We have snack and scripture study. Then the boys have to gather their school stuff, and it's story time until they all hopefully zonk out cold by 9 pm. If it's a weekend the routine starts with dinner time- and might include a bath.

We don't have much of a morning routine yet- we keep it pretty short- like get the kids up, dressed and on to the bus. This lasts for about 20 minutes.

Oh well, if I am stuck with routines I might as well make the most of them and add good habbits for myself and house. Like what to pick up, clean, change and prepare after the kids are on the bus. (usually the kitchen, the laundry and start dinner)
and at night- getting myself studying time.

Enough rambling. Have a good day.