With school back in session and family schedules filling up, evenings can become the busiest time of the day for many moms (Dad’s too!). Once the kids are home, the race begins to make sure all homework is completed, dinner is served, baths/showers are done, chores are finished and the kids are all tucked into bed, in the meanwhile trying to prepare for the next day. Without a plan, instead of enjoying the evening with their families, many parents are struggling just to make it to bedtime. If your evenings have become unmanageable, it may be time to streamline your nights by using some time management tools. Here are some tips to take back control of your evenings:

• Chores first, play later. As soon as the kids come home from school, it is time to have a snack, then get the chores, homework and backpacks taken care of. Empty out backpacks, oversee homework and have everyone do their chores; only then can they can go play. Kids have ants in their pants after sitting in class all day? Set a timer for 20 minutes, let them run, move their bodies and play hard to burn off some steam, but when the timer goes off, it’s time to take care of business.
• Get ready for the next day. Have clothes laid out and lunches made to make mornings go smoother. After homework is done, make sure everything nonperishable is put into backpacks.
• Establish a routine. Make it easier on both you and the kids by establishing your routine. Create charts for the kids on what needs to be done after they come home from school or before bed. After a few days, it will become habit and run like clockwork.
• Ease down from the day. Plan quieter activities and dim the lights as bedtime approaches. This calms everyone down and gets them ready to get a good night’s rest.
• Create a musical bedtime routine. When it is time to wash faces, brush teeth and get into those pjs, play the same music to keep kids on track. By the end of song one, teeth are brushed and flossed. End of song two, pjs are on, etc.

The key to streamlining your evenings is finding a routine that works for your family and sticking to it as much as possible. There will always be need for adjustments, however by having a routine and schedule in place, making the needed adjustments will be much easier and your evenings will continue to be kept on track, making life smoother and family time more enjoyable.

Good job Mom; keep up the great work!