Morning Structure

Words & Photography
by Shelby Goodman



I wasn’t sure what to expect this summer with my two big boys home all day and a baby in the mix. But one thing I’m so glad I did was take the advice of my friend and create some morning structure. It’s been amazing for my boys and I’m so proud of myself for actually sticking to it!

It’s been amazing for my boys and I’m so proud of myself for actually sticking to it!...I’m not naturally structured and this was a shove outside my comfort zone, but it paid off big for my sanity.

Everyday my boys have five things they have to do before lunch: get dressed, make the bed, do a chore (varies between watering the plants, dusting, emptying the dishwasher, and taking out the diapers), read/schoolwork, and go outside to play! I made them a chart, and at this point in the summer I don’t even need to remind them - so this is a morning scene that makes me smile big.

I’m not naturally structured and this was a shove outside my comfort zone, but it paid off big for my sanity. I’m feeling summer slipping as I turned the page on August today and registered G for school this morning. Soaking in this view while I can.