Structure/Routine: How Much is Too Much?

Some moms who read this blog might just be trying to get through their days. They are even asking themselves, “What is structure? And where do I start?” Structure is not something that is one-size-fits-all.

I have always appreciated how the Ezzos, in Growing Kids God’s Way, encouraged each family to foster their own family identity. Part of your family identity can even include how you incorporate structure and routine into your day. Heed the wise counsel regarding the importance of structure and routine but allow your family structure and routine to become your own.

I love Disney’s Winnie the Pooh. It is definitely a classic and I often draw illustrations from it when I speak. Here are some fun ways to identity your unique family structure. Maybe your family is a:

* Rabbit: You must stick to the schedule! Every minute counts! You stick with your routine and very rarely, if ever, veer off the track. Others might be exhausted by the routine you keep but your family thrives in this ‘structured to the minute’ routine.

* Tigger: You love bouncing from one thing to the next. You are very flexible and enjoy the spontaneous things in life. You might tend to run a little late (remember to respect others in the process with a phone call). Your family thrives in the flexible.

* Piglet: You are hesitant in scheduling too much. You love the simple and very limited schedule. This structure helps you enjoy and not get too anxious about things. If you get too busy you tend to become anxious and drop the ball on some things. This is fine – be ok with letting go of things for the well-being of your family. Your family thrives in the simple, minimal structure and routine.

* Winnie the Pooh: You love to think and talk over your structure and routine as a family. You also like flexibility but thoughtful flexibility. Your structure and routine revolves around finding out what each person is doing and going to each family member’s event. Your family thrives in the thoughtful and communicative structure and routine.

Structure/Routine, so how much is too much? You decide. Enjoy structure and routine as a family and make it fun and not stressful. Choose a family Winnie the Pooh character identity for your structure and routine, so when life gets hard you can break the tension with a little Pooh Bear humor.