Hi Friends!  Let’s think about Family rhythms.  Here are some nuts and bolts ~ the “how-tos”  Scroll further down for a deeper dive into the “why” of rhythm!

Rhythm is the magic word, as we live with young children. In Section One, we began working with our inner rhythm; now let’s work with outer rhythms. 

 As adults, we will discover that rhythm works both from the inside out and from the outside in. 

~ We all feel better when we sleep, eat, work and exercise in a rhythmic fashion (Outside-in). 

~ When we are in-harmony inside, even an occasional erratic stretch can be ameliorated by our inner equanimity (Inside-out). 

~ Our young children, though, do not distinguish between the inside and outside! They need us to both be in-harmony in our hearts, as well as establish for them regular daily-life rhythms. They are at-one with us and with the home-life we establish. 

Here is a Simple Daily Rhythm to Try

You can plan an open rhythm of indoor play, outdoor play, snack times, nap times, and social times with playmates. In today’s society, there is pressure to give our young child “enrichment opportunities” from an exhaustive list of possibilities such as dance lessons, music lessons, and baby gymnastics. We need to remember that there is nothing more “enriching” for a young child than exploring his own world of home, filled with natural playthings and the work of caring for a family—housework, laundry, cooking—and exploring his own backyard. Look for the chapters on the magic of Indoor Play, Outdoor Play, and Artistic Experience, in Heaven on Earth. (Check the Books tab!) Here is a simple schedule you can think about and perhaps adapt to your needs: 

9:00–10:30 Outdoor play. Begin the day in the fresh air! It sets the tone for the whole day. 

10:30 Snack. Think light and simple—fruit, raisins, crackers, etc., and leftover tea.

11:00–12:00 Indoor play, cleanup.
12:30 Lunch, wash dishes, run outdoors a little.
1:00–3:00 Nap. Quiet time for older ones.
3:30 Snack (more on the importance of afternoon snack later). 4:00 A perfect time for a walk, or outdoor play.
5:00 Dinner preparation. Include your child! 

A Deeper Dive

Rhythm is the beginning of life itself. All life is in motion and rhythm is what brings order to this life motion. A baby in the womb has her life rhythm set by the beat of the mother’s heart, her 

rhythmic breathing, and other synchronized body rhythms. New infants need to be kept close to the parents’ hearts, because their heartbeat and breathing is not yet fully rhythmic. This close prox- imity “entrains” the baby’s biorhythms, bringing safety and calm. Rhythmic movement brings harmony and coherence to human brainwave patterns, creating a deep sense of wellbeing and belonging. This human need for rhythm does not diminish as we grow and age; it is essential for health, happiness, and a continued ability to engage fully with life, because Life is rhythm! 

Therefore, rhythm is the magic word for parents and educators of young children. Young children thrive on a simple, flexible rhythm that carries them through their day, through each week and through the slowly unfolding years of their lives. Rhythm lays a strong foundation, not only in our children’s lives but also in our own. We human beings have been shaped over the millennia by the rhythmic rotation of the earth, by the diurnal dance of day and night. Our children, who live closer to basics than we do, are affected profoundly by the life rhythms we determine for them. Not only do we want their day to be filled with rhythmic physical activities in which they can join us, such as sweeping, washing up the cups or polishing the wooden toys, but we also want these activities to move throughout the day in a rhythmic fashion. Many problems we experience with our children can be addressed by setting a simple daily rhythm that allows their needs to be met in a timely way!