Buttercup Daily Rhythm
As we relax and breathe into our home-life, I’d like to offer the Buttercup daily rhythm as a way to move through the day.
Why is rhythm important in the life of the young child? Little children feel safe and held when their days are predictable. It soothes anxiety to know what is coming next, without having to wonder. It allows children to be in the moment, and joyfully participate in the day. It also helps with cooperation, behavior, and sleep.
It can take some time to make this your own, so go slowly and be gentle with yourself and your family. It is easy to allow fear and stress to creep in, even when we are not consciously directing this. If all else fails, put your child in the bathtub or go outside.
8:30 - 8:45
Welcome to our day / tea time at the table
8:45 - 9:20
Creative indoor play / activity of the day
9:15
Potty break
9:20 - 9:25
Coyote treats (nut & seed mix followed by two raisins)
9:25
Clean-up indoor play
9:30
Circle time
9:50
Short rest to digest physical movement from our circle work
10:20
Wash snack dishes, potty break, ready ourselves for outside playtime
10:40 - 11:30/45
Outside playtime
12:00
Lunch
12:40
Quiet play / station time (building blocks, beading, puzzles, mini-bricks, train set)
1:00 - 2:00
Resting time (you could offer a portion of this time as quiet book-look time; you child can quietly look at books on their own)
2:00
Potty break and a light snack
2:15 - 3:30
Outside playtime
3:45
Quiet activity / indoor play
Aiming for dinner at 5 or 5:30 will allow for a lovely evening rhythm that will support a restful, peaceful entrance into sleep. This will be most effective if it is consistent.
5:30
Dinner
6:00
Clear table / wash dishes
6:30
Bath
6:55
Story
7:00
Lights out / night night
Tips and Tricks
One story before bed is better than many. It can be a story you read or tell, but should be calming rather than silly, if possible. Silly books and content are great for wakeful times of day.
We are aiming to help our children find increased levels of maturity and independence. We don’t want them to need us forever, though they will love us forever! This can be helpful to keep in mind during all parts of the day, including bedtime.
Having a small snack of protein (I eat two brazil nuts) right before bed can help stabilize blood sugar and contribute to a more restful sleep.
All snacks, water drinking, and trips to the potty should happen right before bed so there is no need to get up before nestling down.
Lighting a candle during storytime can be soothing and create a feeling of special reverence for this time of day.
Find ways for your child to be a valued and contributing member of the family. This promotes a sense of belonging, self-confidence, and pride. Helping to prep food, setting and clearing the table, wiping down the table and counters, feeding pets, taking out garbage or compost, sweeping the floor and dusting, folding laundry and putting it away, helping with yard work and gardening, and making the bed are all great chores for this age.
Limiting sugary foods, juice, and processed snacks/food and increasing protein, fresh veggies and fruit, and fermented foods will dramatically support positive behavior and cooperation.
Being a rock for your little ocean wave, solid, consistent, and the leader of the family will also significantly contribute to cooperation and overall well being.