It has been a progressive shift, it really is too much to implement too many changes in one go. We started with limiting TV and iPad usage. This was a major change, so we didn't make any other changes while this concept was sinking in. During the week, technology is only permitted before breakfast (usually 30-60 minutes) for the children and is then turned off at breakfast time and not allowed again until after school, from around 3:30pm. At dinner time the technology is switched off and doesn't come back on again until the kid's bedtime. This applies for the whole family. It means we spend time with the kids during the evening. Adults have the gadgets back once the kids are in bed and get to enjoy quiet 'kid free' time.
The weekend is more flexible, we tend to stick to the rules in the morning and then we might allow movie time after lunch if the weather stops us going outside. If the weather is fine, we kick the kids outdoors. 3 hours maximum is our guideline. That's still 21 hours a week, probably half what it was - ridiculous!
The kids moaned like crazy the first week, but they now happily turn off the gadgets in favour of playing with their blocks, cars or barbies or playing hide and seek with us. The kids are all learning to play cards too and they are going to bed by 7pm and getting to sleep soon after. Their minds and bodies are being exercised without being over stimulated.
The next part of my plan has involved making the kids more independent and taking responsibility for tasks like: dressing, personal hygiene, putting dirty laundry in the laundry basket, taking their dirty dishes to the kitchen bench, tidying their toys away and making their beds. There isn't a chore chart, but you see the results when their rooms are tidy, the bathrooms are neat and clean and they are dressed with brushed hair and a fresh smile. There is a lot of reminding that is going on, but they are improving and enjoying being able to accomplish things for themselves.
The final piece of the puzzle has been to set particular days of the week for certain tasks and activities. For example we have Sunday as our day to strip the beds and change our bedding for the entire family. It doesn't necessarily get washed that day - I have a spare set of bedding, so we can do a changeover without needing to do laundry. Sunday is also our day for preping for the week ahead: planning meals, planning outfits, planning for the week's events and activities. Being organised in advance makes a big difference to stress levels later in the week.
This is as far as I've gone with setting the routine. I am progressively adding to it as I go and so far so good.
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