A daily rhythm helps keep vata dosha calm and supports agni (your digestive fire). Rather than a rigid schedule, a daily rhythm allows for the ebb + flow of life while anchoring in on sleep and meal times.

In practical terms, the daily rhythm gives children an idea of what's going to happen in their day so that their nervous system can rest. It also helps eliminate the constant requests for snacks and technology when you can tell them when those things are coming.

This is not a homeschool blog, so I'll keep it simple. Montessori philosophy gives children self-accountability and responsibility. They choose their own "work" within guidelines.

Montessori philosophy teaches that children are capable of real work. The terms "work cycle" describe a time block where children choose an age-appropriate activity and do it on their own with varying levels of guidance. The term "practical life" work is referring to chores we all need to do such as sweeping, folding laundry and so on. Children are given real work and thrive on being able to actually help their family or classroom.

In the kitchen, kids learn to wash veggies or fruit from a young age. They might be given a job such as tearing lettuce leaves. They build confidence and are able to master more difficult tasks.

Technology is limited (but we still use it). There is a lot more to it, but these are the basics.

These are the main components of our daily rhythm. Some days we skip parts, but the basic flow is there while we are home.

Free Play

Breakfast

Journal- this varies but some days I journal myself while the kids write or draw whatever they want, some days we nature journal together

Meditation- a short intuitive energy practice together (this recording is 2 minutes so that you get the idea). We also chant together.

Get Dressed

Work Cycle- the traditional Montessori approach is to have a few activities available that the child chooses from. Right now, the kids are allowed to do any activity they want from playing with toys to drawing to art. Everything is an opportunity to learn. My 7-year old is obsessed with Beyblades. He will play with them, then draw them. This is teaching him science through engineering, movement and sketching. No curriculum needed!

Outside Time/Yoga- I do Yoga on a blanket while they play. They have the choice to join me or not but I will be practicing.

Morning Snack- their morning snack is fruit and they can have it anytime they want. They get one snack only and other than that must wait for lunch.

Lunch- as close to noon as possible to support agni. It's also our biggest/heaviest meal of the day

Silent Reading/Quiet Time- Quiet time for all. I read my own book while they look at books or "whisper play". That's a term I made up but seems to be working really well.

Dance/Movement- We dance together for at least 30 minutes every afternoon. We take turns picking songs. This releases stress and moves energy through the body. My choices are bellydance or tribal music. My son chooses Gypsy Kings or silly kid songs. My daughter always selects ballet music. Dancing moves our emotions out and supports the well being of our whole body and mind!

Work Cycle- we skip this many days. But it would be a repeat of choosing their own work.

Outside Time

Movie w/ Snack- they must agree on a movie. This is when I work on my laptop.

Cook Dinner- they help of have free play.

Bath/Shower

Bedtime Story/Sleep

This routine is a lifesaver for me because it has built in time for journaling, mediation, Yoga, dance/movement and work.

It is so important to honor what you need so that you are able to be the rock for your family.

Join the free Simple Ayurveda Facebook Community to connect and see what other Ayurveda mamas are talking about.

The Ayurveda + Motherhood Masterclass offers easy approaches to applying Ayurveda into your everyday life for yourself and your family.

Ayurveda is not a one size fits all approach, and this course is specifically designed to help you, a busy mama, feel vibrant, happy and whole.