Since posting how I created my Mommy Summer Camp program, a few readers have asked me to share my typical day-to-day schedule. I hope that our day will help you design your own “mommy camp” schedule this summer. Keep in mind that my kids are young: 2-1/2, 5 and 7.
My day starts early with “mommy time” although recently the kids have been waking up a bit earlier than usual, thus encroaching on this precious time. I’m working it out though. It’s a necessary part of my day because it sets the foundation for me. Without it, I’m guaranteed to crumble before lunch.
“Me Time” Schedule
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5:30 am
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Pray and/or meditate, quiet reading and/or journaling…whatever I’m inspired to do that day. |
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6:00 am
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Go running, pop in an exercise video or head to the pool for laps. If it happens to be a day when I take “off” from exercising, I’ll grade some papers or do some work. |
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6:45 am
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Map out my priorities for the day while sipping a cup of Joe. Check email if I have time. |
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7:15 am
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Husband and kids are wrestling in bed…it’s about to be on! |
The kids know that Mommy Summer Camp does not officially begin until 9:00 am, so during the “in between” time they know to eat breakfast, wash up and quietly watch TV or read a book. This week we happened to have swim lessons from 8-8:30 am every day to fill the time.
Mommy Summer Camp Schedule
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9:00 am
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“Circle Time” – My kids are still young enough to enjoy sitting around on the mats in the playroom (“criss cross apple sauce” style). We do the calendar – what day is today, what’s the weather like, etc. |
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9:15 am
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Craft – We usually do our major craft in the morning. Mostly because it’s when I’m feeling most motivated and energized. I get my craft ideas from The Knack at Michael’s. I’m not at all crafty, but my kids think I’m brilliant! We’ve made camp t-shits, glitter pictures, personalized pails, and have others planned for the coming weeks. We go to Michael’s so often that they cashiers know us by name…thank God for those weekly coupons! |
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10:00 am
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Snack time and clean up |
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10:30 am
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Reading, writing, math lessons – My kids are really into learning, which is nice. They like to “play school” and they love calling me “teacher” during this segment of the day. |
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11:15 am
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Free time while I prepare lunch |
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Noon
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Lunch |
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12:30 pm
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Quick story then “D-time” (a.k.a. nap time) – All three of my kids end up going down for a nap, but if one of the older ones doesn’t want to, then it’s just two hours of quiet time because this is the time of day when I work. That usually bores them to tears so they end up falling asleep. |
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3:00 pm
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Snack time and clean up |
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3:30 pm
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Afternoon crafts – I keep it light because although they’ve all napped, I’m pretty much pooped by this time. So they color, paint, make lanyards or do that beading thing, which consumes them for quite a while. My 2-1/2 year old is usually trolling around the house destroying things by this time of day, but as long as he’s safe, I let it go. Remember, I’m exhausted by this time of day. |
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4:30 pm
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Mommy Summer Camp is officially over for the day and I shift from “camp director” to “mom.” I send the kids outside to play while I pick up the house, check email again and get ready to make dinner. |
Final Tips
So, that’s the general plan. I’ve also incorporated some outings…movies, library, museum trips, etc…just to keep things interesting. Every day is a bit different because while I like to maintain a routine, we’re emotive beings and well…we’re unpredictable and I prefer to sway with the change rather than against it. Here are some additional ways to customize your own “mommy camp” schedule:
- Create a spacious schedule that includes unplanned segments of time. It’s good to be organized, but not too rigid. The open spaces also act as “padding” should an unexpected occurrence arise.
- Be flexible. Your schedule will change, so be adaptable to those changes.
- Map out your weeks in advance. I only schedule one to two weeks ahead, unless we have a major trip planned. I’ve found the most useful tool to use is Google Calendar because I can track multiple calendars and share it with friends and family.
By the way, if you’re wondering how I manage to fit all my work into two solid hours of work a day…it can be challenging. I squeeze in time whenever I can during the day and then put in time in the evening when my husband gets home. I also hire a babysitter periodically when I need more time during the day. One of the most important ways I stay on track is using the plan weekly, prioritize daily approach to time management, but I must admit that it’s nice to have work that offers me autonomy and a flexible schedule.
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