Suzanne of Suzanne's Daily Dance has just stopped homeschooling for the first time in a very long time. Having been there I can tell you that this is a huge transition. Suzanne is feeling frazzled with this dramatic change. Her daily activities are suddenly going to be quite different. She has written on her blog about this change and has asked some questions to help sort things out. Maybe others would like to answer these questions too.

You know, you all could help me...I wonder..how does some of your plans go? Such as...how do you start your days, when do you do this or that chore each day or week?
When do you blog...after this or that is done? How often do you exercise? Do you cook certain things on certain days of the week? Do you do your kids laundry or what chores do you expect from them, esp. since mine isn't used to homework and I don't believe it is good for any of them to assume mom will always do this or that...do you just ask them to do some of those laundry jobs sometimes.. or what? Do you ask if you can help them with homework or just wait until they ask.

OK. Suzanne, here are my answers.

How do I start my days? Usually with coffee or tea and rushing to get out the door to get the kids to school on time. I pray either before I get out of bed. (I sit up and pray from my Magnificat.) Or, sometimes I pray when I get back home from the driving. If I don't get my prayer time in early it's hard to do it later. I try to get to Mass several times during the week.

When do I do certain chores? I throw laundry in the washer whenever I can (no schedule). I fold it when I get the chance. I grocery shop when we're out of enough things. (no schedule) I do dishes every day. Vacuuming and other cleaning usually happens on Saturdays with the kids help.

When do I blog? I usually allow myself an hour, either early in the morning (like right when I get home after taking the kids to school) or late at night. In between, if I have 5 or 10 minutes I will check other blogs and respond to comments.

Do I cook certain things on certain days of the week? Nope. I cook whatever I can put together from what we've got. We usually have a vegetarian dinner on Fridays.

How often do I exercise? I try to go to Curves at least twice a week but, honestly, it's been a long time since I have gone twice a week regularly.

Do my kids do laundry or chores? Jim (16) and John (18) do their own laundry. I do it for the younger kids. They all do chores. Often they do the dishes. No schedule. I just ask whoever has the time to do it. On Saturdays they have assigned chores like cleaning a bathroom, vacuuming, cutting the grass, etc.

Usually I help with homework only if they ask. But sometimes I bring it up by asking how it's going (especially when they're first starting school.)

Everybody's routine is probably different. I know some people are much more organized than I am. I have to readjust my schedule so frequently that it helps me to stay real flexible.

I think it's the unfamiliarity of the new schedule that makes it feel kind of unnerving. But it passes. And a new peace will come.

Suzanne, may the peace that surpasses all understanding be yours.