Summer daily routine with 4 Kids

When the kids' grandma asked me to watch the 3 kids when she's on summer vacation, I knew I need set of schedule and rules to keep me sane and organized. For rules, I'm using the blessing chart here and for the schedule, I found my inspiration here and some practical daily routine tips here. I went through them with the big kids and stick them on the fridge.

Before Max wakes up and the kids arrive, I try to do things I can't do with kids: have my quiet time with God, make my bed, clean the toilets, dress up, enjoy my coffee, checking e-mail, read book, etc...

8:30 AM

Max wakes up

He usually follow me around and "help" me do chores:

make his bed, start the laundry, take out the dishes from dishwasher, mop the floor, start the meal prep, etc..

10:00 - 11:00 AM

Breakfast & Free time

The kids usually being drop off around this time. 

We start with breakfast then follow with free time outdoor or indoor. If outdoor, the kid play will play with bubble, chalk, etc while I hang the laundry. Lately I found that Cici Mei Ik enjoy watering the plants so I let her do so. Btw, I just recently learned that it's best to water the plant between 6PM to 10 AM. Koko enjoys cleaning my window. Seriously. He was the one who came up with the idea so I let him do it. :)

11:00 - 11:45 AM

We have Praise and Worship - Sometimes I play the guitar but mostly we used VBS songs from youtube.

Then we will have Morning Devotion from this wonderful Illustrated Family Bible Stories. We all have a great time learning from it.

Next we have Prayer Time.

Koko and Cici will write down the name of the persons whom they would like to pray for.Then I'll ask them what they will pray for the persons and each one pray for the person whom they chose. Their prayer always touch my heart. For example, one day we were reading about the Tower of Babel; afterward Cici asked if she can pray for God. "Sure," I replied. "What do you want to pray for God?" "So that people will obey him," she answered. :) 

Then another time Koko told me he wanted to pray for their mama, papa, and auntie. "What do you want to pray for them?" I asked. He answered, "So that they will not have too much work and can be back early." Of course I made sure both parents hear this :D

11:45 - Learning time. We either read, do puzzle, or practice writing

I start cooking for lunch/ dinner during this time.

Didi usually falls asleep during this time:

When we're bored staying at home and I feel brave, we will go to a close by playground or library. I promised to take them to the zoo next Friday. We'll see how it goes. =P

Koko usually help pushing the stroller/ Max's car while I carry Titi on my back. My lovely neighbor Silvi lent me this wonderful carrier. When Max was a baby he never like to be carried on the back but Didi loves it. He usually snores within 5 minutes:

12:50 Lunch Preparation

I finalize the meal prep while the kids pick up their toys, wash their hand, get their own drinks, and gather on the table.

1:00- 2:00

Lunch Time - except for Didi who still asleep

afterward the kids will wash their hands and bring their dirty dishes to the sink.

I wash the dishes while Koko vacuum to clean up the crumble on the floor and Cici wipe the table. While they are in my house, I treat them like they're my own.They have to obey our rules and asked to do chores to help out. Even Didi is trained to do things himself: holding his milk bottle :)

1:30 PM - 2:00 PM

Sometimes when they finish their lunch early. They can watch their favorite TV shows. That's the only time they watch TV.

2:00 - 2:30 PM: another free time usually Didi wakes up during this time and I will then feed him lunch. Since Max is off the diaper at home, sometimes I have to take him potty, rinse him off etc so either Koko or Cici will help feeding Didi while I'm busy with doing other things. They both are such a great helper.

2:30 - 4:30 PM: Max & Cici nap time. I have to pretend sleeping between them in order for them to fall asleep otherwise they will keep on singing, laughing, or running around. What about Didi? Don't worry Koko takes a really good care of him:

3:00 - 4:30 PM: While Max & Cici are sleeping, it's reading time for Didi & Koko. Koko loves books. He can finish one book in one seating. I just found another learning activity for Koko during this summer break: learning to type. Found the lesson here.

4:30 - 5:30 PM: the kiddos wake up, eat fruit, ice cream or other snacks. My lovely hubby is home by this time. Keep in mind he goes to work at 5:30 AM. He's amazing indeed.

We usually swim if the weather permit or just stay indoor doing some reading, crafting or baking. So far we've made: pizza, bread, diaper cake for baby v, bubble, play dough. 

6:00 - 6:30 PM: Didi usually took his second nap during this time. After 6 PM is the only time Koko can play game on the computer while Cici, Max, and I water the plants or do some cleaning outdoor while waiting for their mom to come:

That's it!