Thread by @jdnoc

I've been working on a new routine. I'm actually quite proud of this one, it ticks all of the boxes for me.

5AM - Write.
8AM - Take kids out (hike, playground, etc.).
10:30AM - Get ready for work day.
11AM - Work (code), reading, communicating.
4PM - Home for dinner.
10PM - Bed.

What I love about this routine is it gives everyone everything they want.

My kids get time spend with their dad.

My wife gets time to do her work/art (and get ready for the day without kids).

I get uninterrupted time to do my work, and I get to spend time with my family.

This schedule also emphasizes what's important to me. Writing, my family, and being active.

My work is a byproduct of a healthy lifestyle.

By putting my family + health first, it allows my work to keep happening.

Another main advantage is by getting the kids out of the house, the kids aren't bored and the house stays clean.

This minimizes the work needed to keep everyone sane around the home.

If you have three kids, you know it's hard to sit at home for hours with nothing planned.

Another advantage (regarding kids) is this routine gets a lot of their energy out in the morning, so they are more cooperative and behaved throughout the day.

Lastly, this gives me the chance to play with my kids when I have the most energy. Harder to play after a full work day.

This routine isn't for everyone. But it has worked surprisingly well for us.

We developed it in response to having our third child, who mostly needs Mom at this point. So I'm on kid duty for the other two in the mornings.

Had to get creative.

How often do you mix up routines to see what works?