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Schedule vs. Routine
by Rebecca Kochenderfer
What’s the difference between a schedule and a routine? Simply put: times. If your routine has blocks of time next to each thing that happens throughout the day, then it’s more of a schedule. If you just move from one activity to the next without regard to times of day, then it’s more of a routine.
Is one better than the other? Nope! The best one is the one that works for your family. Some families thrive in an environment with carved out times during the day, and some children do better knowing what time such-and-such will happen. Other moms feel overwhelmed and as if they’re failing if they don’t do things at the designated times. Those moms do better having everything move seamlessly from one activity to the next without times for each activity of the day.
So how can you tell which one is best for your family? The easiest way is to try both out for size.Try working with a routine but if you find you just don’t have enough time in the day for everything you’d like to accomplish, then consider adding times to each activity so you can see how you’ll fit everything in. Be reasonable and realistic and don’t forget to add some wiggle room for times when life happens—because it will!
