5 Tips for a Smooth Morning

[@madamenewstart8969]

5 steps to teach a new chore : I do it and you watch me I do it and you help me You do it and I help you You do it and I watch you You do it and I inspect it Thanks a lot !

[@serafinachuidian7488]

Yes! I've recently shifted from waking at 9 to 5:30 AM and the difference has been amazing! I kept thinking the later I slept, the better I would feel. Surprisingly, I have much more energy rising with the sun, and more often than not, I wake before the alarm. I love having the laundry finished before breakfast, not having to worry about being late for appointments, and having time to myself before we begin school.

[@lellachu9933]

Oops, I was logged in as my daughter. :)

[@Simplehomeschoollife]

I need to make the shift to 5 am. My kids are new to homeschooling and struggled with waking up for school in the morning. Well, now that they are homeschooled, they wake up happily much earlier than they did for school. None I need to shift my wake up time to be ahead of them.

[@CanadianKeto-vore1967]

My kids are up every morning by 530 and I am dragging behind them till I get my coffee. Probably an earlier bedtime would help but it is after the kids go to bed that I do the things that get neglected while I'm teaching and "mom-ing"

[@amandarada3242]

​@@CanadianKeto-vore1967 YES!! I get it! I feel the same way!!!

[@mafediaz6810]

1. Start the night before 2. Set an alarm (& sleep enough time) 3. Post a chore chart 4. Give little ones time first 5. Create a morning playlist

[@christinaerichsen5137]

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[@sakikomartin5245]

Thank you!

[@JustKristie4]

This is helpful. Thank you

[@satishgrg192]

The

[@amaanat.]

Your voice is SO soothing! You sound like a really loving calm teacher.

[@lizakamomboyd6965]

Yes! It really is!

[@salwanajim]

Preparing the night before resonates also with Islamic tradition, we refer to the night of Friday (being the evening before Friday) where we spiritually prepare for the blessed Friday each week ❤️

[@SimplyCharlotteMason]

Thanks for joining us and sharing your experience!

[@Kathyfui]

The 15 minute rule actually worked out! I just did it and I was amazed. Thanks, Sonya!

[@SimplyCharlotteMason]

So glad that you found this tip helpful!

[@Renewed85]

So good. I'm going to watch this again and wtite these down

[@SimplyCharlotteMason]

So glad you enjoyed this episode and found it helpful!

[@LB-ku6ry]

I wish that I was raised like this. It’s gentle, respectful, and informative. It feels so incredibly loving.

[@SimplyCharlotteMason]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this approach!

[@jtika1978]

Right! I was yelled at, lights turned on while yelling, ripping off the blankets, constantly rushed…I’ve hated mornings as long as I can remember

[@IloveJesusChristNowandForever]

Great advice. Thank you!

[@SimplyCharlotteMason]

Glad that you have found these tips helpful!

[@ari3lz3pp]

This woman sounds like she's from the 50s and I'm digging it. 😊 I LOVE the perspective of the Biblical holy days! (Not pnly Jewish, I am a Christian that observes Torah as well, makes more sense than the Roman-Catholic holidays). I was thrilled to see the holy days start in the evening before, as it seems to practical. Didn't occur to me to do that in other areas of life too! ❤ Definitely trying to rework our morning schedule. I also grew up in private and public school and good calm mronings were a rare gift, usually it was because I stayed up all night. 🙈 Now we wake up early but i don't get great sleep due to bad habits and so waking up feels moot when I don't have the energy to give the day my all! And that can roll over to my kids, especially special needs, staying up the next night when I am TAPPED out. 😓 These are wonderful tips. Very grateful 🥰

[@SimplyCharlotteMason]

Thank you for joining us and sharing your experiences! So glad that you found these tips helpful!

[@ms.docileone]

my mom was my inspiration on chores, we were 3 boys and 3 girls, and each child was assigned a new chore list each week, as the oldest i was in charge and responsible for preparing breakfast and milking the goats. each chore list was able to be completed in about 15 minutes and most often included an inside chore as well as an outside chore.

[@SimplyCharlotteMason]

Thank you for sharing what worked well for your family!

[@hollybryant1008]

I love these videos so much and find them so encouraging. Even though we're beginning our 11th year of homeschool, I still find myself learning ways to make our homeschool better. One thing that caught my attention in this video is "the Jewish Sabbath" beginning at sunset the day before. While the Jews have preserved the Sabbath and kept it all these years, the Sabbath is not Jewish. All 12 tribes and a mixed multitude of people were present at Mt. Sinai when the commands were handed down. All 12 tribes and the mixed multitude agreed to the terms of the covenant and they all kept the Sabbath. All of them, not just the Jews, kept it from sunset to sunset on the 7th day. The Sabbath is a believer thing, not a Jewish thing. ❤️

[@SimplyCharlotteMason]

Continuing to learn and change with our families is one of the beauties of homeschooling! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and joining in this conversation!

[@sugarloaf10]

You’re the homeschool coach I never had! Thank you this was so timely to pop up in my feed today. I have been stressed about starting school again, and trying to figure out how I’m actually going to do it. I have twin toddlers and am going to make it a primary focus to focus on them first!!

[@gracegreenwell2657]

I am so doing the playlist idea. That is great for anytime of day to get back going even after a break.

[@HarrietFitzgerald580]

Guilty of staying up late. The only down time I am currently getting as I am busy in the days with a toddler and baby. I guess I'm fighting a battle of relinquishing my power. I should go to bed earlier, sleep and be up early with the kiddos and be a more rested mama. I am feeling anger and resentment that I must sacrifice my alone time in order to sleep to fully function in the day. 🙈😂 Am working on that.

[@ninaorozco2115]

Natural Vegan Mom ...I understand! My husband wakes up very early and since I wake with him I have a few hours before the kids wake up to read or write or exercise as well as prepare for the day....I enjoy having that time!

[@janellejoyrobledo1256]

Me too! I have kids with ages 4, 1 and 6mons old! Talk about chaotic, messy and challenging whole day with little ones without a helper! Haha. I look forward to night times when everyone is asleep, so I could clean up, take a bath and enjoy me-time. When I get engrossed, I would eventually be lacking sleep since I needed to tandem breastfeed my toddler and baby during wee hours. I want to always get a head start in the morning, but I also feel too tired upon waking up. I needed to work out on this. Thank you Sonya for your great tips that are ever-so inspiring and refreshing ❤️

[@lizakamomboyd6965]

I’ve been homeschooling for 17 years, and I needed this reminder and reboot! Thank you! We still have toddlers in the home 😅😂

[@SimplyCharlotteMason]

You are so welcome!

[@ESMEJENNINGS]

I need to listen to this ten times! Thank you Sonya!

[@nunziawright6442]

what a great Video. thanks

[@SimplyCharlotteMason]

You are very welcome!

[@SunnyLee-s4j]

I watched this video 3 years ago， today it still teaches me a lot. Thank you Sonya , I pray God will heal you completely and continue to use you bless many people.

[@SimplyCharlotteMason]

Thank you for joining us again and for taking the time to share how this episode has helped and encouraged you. So glad to hear that you have been blessed by this channel. Thank you for continuing to pray for Sonya.

[@ourhouse]

Lots of great tips here, thank you. New subscriber here. I am a homeschool mom to 6 kids ages 11 and under and starting the night before is my mantra for sure. That and a good nights rest is critical. Thank you again.

[@mountaingirl8124]

These podcasts are SUCH a blessing! Thank you Sonya. We have been using the CM method of homeschooling for over a decade and there is such fruit in it. Many see that and that is why these videos are so wonderful. They want to join in on the blessings! I think larger families have a harder time with this method (coming from a mother of 6), but it is doable. Homeschooling with toddlers is always a challenge as well, but our family has found some really neat and rather creative ways of schooling with little ones. Keep these wonderful videos coming! I share them often.

[@priscillalongworth1720]

Kelli What are those ideas, Kelli? I’d love to know. Do you have a blog?

[@mountaingirl8124]

@@priscillalongworth1720 I don't write on it much any longer, but it's "we4bates.blogspot.com". Mainly, the ideas stem from the Managers of Their Homes book. We use that system/schedule so that an older child has playtime with the toddlers/babies and then their turn comes and THEY get one-on-one with Mom. It works swimmingly! I keep a list of things to do with a toddler on a sheet of laminated paper for when our bigger ones need ideas for playtime with him. We keep our "chunks" to 30 minutes (shorter lessons, just as Charlotte suggests) so our big ones aren't too overwhelmed entertaining baby. They take a walk in the field, watch the ducks and geese in the yard, swing on the swings and before they know it, it's their turn with me and I really cherish my 30-minute sessions with each child. I used to post more on the blog, but with running the farm (we've built up 2 in the last 4 years), our adoption and just "life", the blog has taken a back seat. The Managers of Their Homes book saved me this year and has brought a real peace to our home with the children's education. You can implement Charlotte's methods in it just fine. Many blessings!

[@yessumify]

Love these tips. I have put a lot of thought into what the mornings should look like. As well as chores and breakfast, I try to tie calendar time, devotions and prayer, current events, pe, and play time in our mornings. Still figuring it out, but im excited to see what works.

[@SimplyCharlotteMason]

It sounds like you have some great plans in motion here! Creating a plan and then allowing for some flexibility and tweaking of the plan as needed are all important components to establishing a morning routine that will work for your individual family.

[@njoolong]

I'm not even a mom and I am so into this! I could have used this method as a child to 💪🏻

[@FlourishingWithAngelaRenee]

Ive become lax with night time. I have been staying up too late and letting my 13/11 year olds stay up too late as well. I have been working on changing that. These videos are amazing! I am switching to the CM after years of trying other things. I just am nervous I’m too late but I’m going to be disciplined and consistent. Thank you for these videos

[@rubyday2496]

Angela Renee Chats I can relate. 😔 sadly we can't go back and change our mistakes but God is gracious to forgive us an help us. I fell off the wheel when I had my 3rd daughter 6 years ago, time just flew. Now I have a 13,11,6,1 the Lord has brought me the conviction over this matter. Same here making myself more disciplined in our homeschool schedule and daily life.

[@rubyday2496]

Angela Renee Chats it just got so hard to start all over again with little ones but there's always a way to get it done. No excuse!

[@TheBibleDIET]

I love the playlist idea 💡 thank you so much for those tips!

[@SimplyCharlotteMason]

Glad you found this post helpful!

[@KDT227]

I sincerely appreciate what your share. It has changed my homeschooling life😊😊

[@SimplyCharlotteMason]

So glad that you have found these videos to be helpful to you in your homeschooling journey!

[@KevinSeager]

Wow, I really like you! Such wisdom and good practical advice. Thank you!

[@SimplyCharlotteMason]

You are so welcome!

[@victorywithluisa]

Thank you so much needed it 🙏☺️

[@SimplyCharlotteMason]

Happy to help!

[@shemaindonesia]

Omgosh I’ve been needing this word for 4years! This is my answer! Chanksss a lottt! Yahweh bless always your ministry.

[@naila.a.88]

Love this, so happy to find this channel 😊

[@SimplyCharlotteMason]

Glad that you are enjoying these posts!

[@rebaseymour1810]

I’m SO happy I found this channel. Your advice is practical and helpful. Some tips I already have learned through trial and error. Others I never thought of, like the 5 step training tip, I needed that this morning.

[@MikeKendrickmusic]

❤️ I had to revisit this gem! This time my kids listened with me and begged for a playlist! I needed this after a major life change to help get resettled! Thank you so much for such wisdom!! 💗

[@DanielleTate97]

I watched this before and came back for a refresher as we get rolling in our new school year. It is a great reminder of what I'm doing well (#1, #2) and what I need to refine/restart (#3, #5).

[@Kdansrgrl]

Oh wow - starting tonight I want to start to shift my mentality of having my "day" start in the evening. I work evenings as a gymnastics coach and we often come home fried at the end of the night - but I'm sure those 15 minutes will have a huge impact.

[@za-jm8wf]

Thank you for sharing this valuable information!

[@WeWillServeJehovah]

Definitely going to try this as we start up after the new year. Thank you 😊

[@SimplyCharlotteMason]

You're very welcome! We hope that it is going well!

[@kyoots]

I love the playlist idea! Gonna start tomorrow! Not even a homeschool mom but can totally benefit from these tips! Thanks!

[@SimplyCharlotteMason]

So glad that you have found these tips helpful! Here is another post on incorporating Charlotte Mason's principles into your life when you don't homeschool if you are interested in learning more. simplycharlottemason.com/blog/charlotte-mason-when-you-dont-homeschool/

[@rebeccamorris1032]

The playlist has been great for us. I use it to get them going for their chores and when it's over their chores need to be done. It has layed the responsibility on them and no more nagging and repeating myself! They love the music and dance to it.

[@SimplyCharlotteMason]

So glad that this idea has been helpful in creating a smooth flow for your homeschool mornings!

[@juliannapease4772]

Thank you for taking the time to make these videos!

[@SimplyCharlotteMason]

Thank you for joining us, so glad that you have found these videos helpful!

[@Simplehomeschoollife]

I appreciate all of your videos. Thank you. This was much needed.

[@kimmerrou]

This video has been so helpful. The first tip, although I do some things the day before, is what I need to really stick to. The chore chart works, as long as you are consistent! Thanks!

[@newmommy413]

Yes, thank you! I so needed to hear this!

[@Ryoko007]

This was a wonderful video. Thankyou for posting. I've been struggling with my boys 9yrs and toddler 2yrs. To try to get a timetable up for them. I've learnt so much. Thankyou from England.

[@seasonalliving2881]

You have such a warm spirit! Thank you for all you do!

[@Amy-hj1qb]

This was pure gold! What a blessing this video is. ❤️

[@tlacochitta]

Loved tip number 5! Thank you so much 💕

[@peacelilly8456]

What a blessing. Thank you Sonya!

[@anasifaq]

Thank you Sonya ❤

[@SimplyCharlotteMason]

Thank you for joining us!

[@jennybethjonescreative5535]

I am grateful for this your words of advice and encouragement. I know these things will help us have a better morning and I am excited to implement the changes.

[@rickyshappenings]

I've never heard of the playlist idea. I love it!

[@amandafoerster8268]

I love the idea of the playlist! I am going to implement that this week. Thank you!

[@starzyk6897]

I love it! Thank you!!!!!! Love from Ania from Poland

[@SimplyCharlotteMason]

You are very welcome! Thank you for joining us!

[@kelseydiroccobarrie50]

Thank you! What a great video. These tips are very helpful!

[@SimplyCharlotteMason]

So glad you are finding them helpful!

[@phoebeencarnacion21]

Thank you for this. You are a blessing!

[@PollyPatriot]

Excellent! Our children are learning how to become adults by our example.

[@SimplyCharlotteMason]

Absolutely!

[@Muslimah393]

Great tips. Thank you. Need to keep watching this often

[@madamenewstart8969]

Thanks a lot for your helpful tips again :-) Creating a playlist is something I intuitively started doing and as you say, the kids rapidly get used to it and they know when it's going to be the last song ;-) Setting up an alarm is also something very useful as you recommend even if it's slightly different with 2 toddlers at the moment ;-) Thanks a lot

[@yessumify]

This is simple and helpful. Thank you!

[@SimplyCharlotteMason]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ninilovenana]

I love listening to your podcasts.

[@KAM0327]

You’re voice is pleasant. I bet you are an awesome mother.

[@lvlc5]

Wow o wow... that last one!!!!

[@mirandaf2112]

Wonderful tips! They are all great and helpful, but I love the tip to use a playlist!

[@rizeq8528]

I came across the video accidentally - so glad I did. Sometimes I find some HS vids to be preachy, I'm not religious, but ylus are great! Will replay to take notes

[@miriams3296]

Thank you so much for these tips! Great ideas !!

[@BeckyValkyrie]

All great ideas! Love the playlist idea. Definitely implementing that into our morning routine.

[@FlourishingWithAngelaRenee]

Oh wow I love that playlist idea!!!! So great!

[@elliecarpenter3303]

I love this Sonia 💖 I’m wondering if you have ever made a video showing how you do “school”? Would love to see how you tackle all of this

[@SimplyCharlotteMason]

Great idea! Sonya does a workshop called Inside a Charlotte Mason homeschool that walks through a "typical day in the life" of a CM family. We've recorded that workshop and we're working on making it available.

[@gayathrisonnoe911]

This is wonderful

[@amandacarolinenair7271]

So helpful... Is there a book I can buy with all the information from your podcasts please? I really just want to bottle your wisdom Sonya!!!

[@SimplyCharlotteMason]

Thank you for your kind words! There are many resources available to purchase in the Simply Charlotte Mason bookstore. Here is a link: simplycharlottemason.com/store/ This e-book relates to the topic of this particular video and it is free! simplycharlottemason.com/store/smooth-easy-days-with-charlotte-mason/

[@unconditionallovehomeschoo1830]

Thank you very helpful

[@Glowupby40]

Thank you!

[@crystalhewett4809]

Great tips

[@SimplyCharlotteMason]

Thank you!

[@onka256]

I love your videos. Thank you so much. I know Charlotte Mason didn't believe in test. But it worries me that there are no tests given at end of year or in between semesters. Can you please do a video on testing? Is it really not necessary,etc.

[@SimplyCharlotteMason]

Charlotte Mason didn't believe a test that a student studies for was a true indicator of what the student remembers. Instead, she did end-of-term exams by asking narration questions on the material that was covered over the past 12 weeks. This article from our Learning Library explains how that worked: simplycharlottemason.com/blog/end-of-term-exams-in-the-charlotte-mason-method/ You can also see some exam questions in the free samples of any of our history/geography/Bible series.

[@badandbookiee9081]

Omg this video was fantastic!

[@forHisglory2012]

Thank you!! Thank you!! Thank you!!

[@SimplyCharlotteMason]

You are so welcome!

[@ladym7852]

🤣😂🤣😂 "hearding cats"!. That's about right.

[@SimplyCharlotteMason]

Glad you could relate to this one, thank you for joining us!

[@rajanigandhan2368]

Thank you.

[@desireeuys2291]

You are amazing. thank you!

[@teachermama3897]

Thank you so much for this. Really.

[@onka256]

Who else took notes!!!

[@Renewed85]

It's so funny cuz I just started the video. Felt like I should write this down. And then saw your comment

[@anacretu4670]

Oh, what a good idea. Thank you!!

[@marisadaniela6]

Me!

[@EnlightenedEndeavor]

I wish every girl in public school hear this and prepare to be a mother. Instead they teach ...you know what, opposite of positive role model. Going to listen to this until it will sink in my bone :)).

[@matthewfournier6478]

As a single father of ten. I am learning a lot. Thank you!

[@SimplyCharlotteMason]

You are so welcome! Please come back and reach out with any questions you may have for us!

[@homeschooledaroundtheworld4660]

Thank you for another great video.

[@micheleewing7017]

I love tip 5

[@MattMagzandMTM]

Thank you for this.

[@LibbyOnTheLabel.]

Great tips!

[@jennystover7629]

Would love some playlist suggestions!!

[@SimplyCharlotteMason]

Thanks for your question! If you enjoy classical music Sousa's polkas can get everyone up and going! Additionally, other families have suggested using their current hymns from hymn study to bring everyone together and start the day with worship!

[@AndreaMom2Many]

Great tips! Thanks!

[@juliequates9529]

Realizing that sleep was a gift from God has changed my entire outlook on my day.

[@SimplyCharlotteMason]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts!

[@lindamcclellan4721]

Good ideas.

[@rachellebrooke4614]

Genius idea to start the play list! Can’t wait to implement that!

[@apriljmcmillan]

What are your recommendations for when your only student is a kindergartener? And we have a baby who, of course, is still very needy.

[@SimplyCharlotteMason]

Hi, Thank you for your question! This season can be a challenge! Here are some posts with great ideas on how to tackle this season of life and meet everyone's needs. Homeschooling with Preschoolers in the Mix: simplycharlottemason.com/blog/homeschooling-preschoolers-mix/ Your Questions Answered: Homeschooling with Preschoolers in the Mix: simplycharlottemason.com/blog/your-questions-answered-homeschooling-with-preschoolers-in-the-mix/

[@sajmt1414]

Great tips.

[@jenkewley8094]

Hello. Lots of great advice, thank you. I have a question and I am not sure where to post it so....I will try here. I took the little test and given some struggling I have been experiencing in this first year of homeschooling my 1st and 2nd grader....it is not shocking to me that I "tested" as a good fit with the CM method. That said, as much as I love the idea of 20m lessons and I believe in the philosophy, the fact is that in Missouri we are required to have 1000 hours (600core400elective) so I am not sure how I can use the method that seems like the best fit since legally it could leave me short. Do you have any advice? I am trying to adjust our current year and plan for next year. I have watched the video regarding the CM curriculum and I am leaning that way for next year if not this year if I can find a solution to my concern and I can be sure it will work for us.

[@kimmerrou]

Please don't take this the wrong way, but are those Missouri's state laws for homeschooling? When I first started homeschooling, I followed our state's requirements for public schools, then I found sometime (after half a year of feeling flustered) that homeschoolers had different requirements, but it wasn't the easiest thing to find.

[@SimplyCharlotteMason]

Here are two ways to make sure you meet the state required time: 1. Add more class time to your day. Just make sure it's in short time slots for each subject, following the Charlotte Mason principles. 2. Count the informal learning opportunities done in the afternoons. Many of those activities fit into school subjects.

[@saritasarit]

Hearding cats 😂😅 yes that is exactly the feeling

[@krystalstover8574]

This is my first time homeschooling my daughter she is 2 years old

[@TheBibleDIET]

😃 Awesome tips! That’s helpful ❤ preparation is indeed important. I just wanted to share something as you mentioned “the Jewish Sabbath”, it is written He (Jesus) said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath. Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath” - Mark 2:27-28 The Sabbath was made for man not for Jews only 😉 The Sabbath existed way before the Jewish nation existed, we can read in Genesis 2 “And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made”. Also you can read in the New Testament that Jesus kept the Sabbath as well as the disciples and then the gentils who became Christians. There is not one verse that talks about Sunday being the Lord’s day. The Bible also say we will keep the Sabbath throughout eternity “And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD.” - Isaiah 66:23 For a few years now I keep the Sabbath and Saturday is the best day of the week 😃 it is such a great blessing. I know it’s a little off topic but I pray that this comment can bless others as I have been blessed ❤

[@SimplyCharlotteMason]

Thank you for your comment and adding to this conversation!

[@user-wm9rd7gt9x]

💝

[@SimplyCharlotteMason]

Thank you for joining us!

[@anithakarthik8206]

👏👏

[@lizakamomboyd6965]

I would also add, that mom’s with lots of children don’t have the “lot’s of sleep” option 😂

[@SimplyCharlotteMason]

Haha it is very true that during some seasons of life that can be a hard one to come by!