In the past, we have been laid back about our school schedule.  We basically had a routine that frankly often degenerated into chaos. Eventually everyone would get their work done but it took a lot of coaching from Mom in order to "get r done" Imagine that! : ) 

My dh and I decided that since this fall we would only be homeschooling our 3 youngest (dd18 started college Monday!) that it would be a good time to make some changes.

Change # 1 - We have purposefully planned our days. We have come up with a wonderful schedule that includes "EVERYTHING".  Chores, laundry, reading, schoolwork, reading, play time, did I mention reading?   We began implementing the "bare bones" at the beginning of August so that the girls would get used to the schedule before fall. For the girls it means that they have to get up at the same time each day AND go to bed at the same time each night.

It may sound silly but our children have never had a definite bed time or wake-up time.  When the girls were younger, dh often had evening appointments at his office and for one whole year the family didn't eat dinner until 9pm!  So the girls have been used to staying  up late and sleeping in.  Now that my youngest is 5yo, sticking to a schedule is much easier!  After a few grumpy mornings the girls seem to enjoy the new schedule.

"Therefore, brothers, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught, either by an oral statement or by a letter of ours." 2 Thess. 2:15