When Routines Fail

So a routine is great, when it works.  What happens when something comes up and the routine is interrupted?  Is my home in shambles and my list ruined?  Yeah probably, but who cares - in the scheme of things, it's trivial. The wonderful thing about a routine is that it can always be started over the next day, week, or month.  A great example of this is having a new baby in the house.  Things have to slide because that baby needs to eat more than the floor needs to be washed, bathroom needs to be cleaned, etc.  After a couple months, a routine can be implemented again slowly as mom feels like it.  Routines can be broken when an afternoon nap for mom trumps making a home-cooked meal and take out is a great option.  A bad day, a sick kid, or a tired mom are all things that can turn a well-oiled routine upside down in a hurry.

Here are a couple things that I have found helpful for making do when routines fail:

• having small cleaning tasks every day of the week so the house doesn't get out of control - Weekly Docket
• have meals in the freezer for crazy days when the routine isn't working (or a bowl of cold cereal)
• get out of the house - go for a walk or a run
• ask for help - it seems easier to take it all on, but not necessary
• get the kids involved in the task at hand to get it done
• start fresh the next day
• when all else fails, go out for ice cream

What do you do when your daily or weekly routines fail?

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