1. Figure out how your family works best. Would your family benefit from a regimented minute by minute schedule? Or do you need a more laid back approach with no specific times. Perhaps your family is somewhere in the middle. No matter what your family style is, you need to figure what works for you. You could make the most fabulous schedule in the world, but if it doesn't work for your family, it is completely useless.
2. The next step is to write down what all you need to accomplish in your day. You can't really make a schedule without knowing what needs to be done ;). So make a list!
3. Prioritize that list! What is MOST important that you accomplish, what is flexible?
4. Once you have figured out what needs to be accomplished, and have your priorities straight, it's time to think about how you work best. Are you a morning person? Do you tend to work best in the afternoon? Start thinking about which tasks would work better for you in the morning and afternoon.
5. At this point you have a good idea what needs to be on your schedule, and even which part of the day these things need to fit into. It's time to get all these things in order. I usually start by writing down the obvious points. I know breakfast has to happen in the morning, lunch mid-day, and dinner in the evening. Those make a good starting point. Start thinking through that list...For now, don't worry about "times", but the order is more important.
6. Once you have gotten your list into an order, then you can begin to think of times. I usually like to estimate how long I need for the items I have listed, and that helps me to begin to figure out how much time we need in our day.
I feel like this would be a good place to re-emphasize that a schedule does NOT have to be all about what time of day everything has to happen... A good schedule is not meant to be restrictive. It's purpose is to help you to order your days so that you may be more efficient.
I attended a Time Management Seminar some time ago and the man leading it said something that really stuck with me. "Time management is a tool to help you achieve your goals."
What is your purpose for creating a schedule? Most likely it is because you are wanting to accomplish something that you are currently not able to find the time for...or you know there is a way to more effectively use your time so that there is time to do the things you want to do.
Remember this schedule is supposed to HELP you achieve your goals, it is not supposed to cause you to feel hindered.
7. Another option for figuring out times: Once you have an order for ll of your items on your schedule, try running through it a few days, and just seeing how it flows. See how much time you really need for each thing. After "test driving" it for several days, you will have a better feel for how it works, and are perhaps better equipped to figure out times.
I hope this helps to get you started in the right direction for creating your schedule. If you have questions or need further help please feel free to email or leave a comment...I am always happy to help!
Happy Homemaking!
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