Was your schedule with your kids interrupted by the holidays… and now you are trying to resurrect it or create a new one?  It is certainly a challenge to keep up with a child’s development.  As soon as you think you have it figured out, they move to a new stage and you start over again.  Then add the normal fluctuations of the holidays or vacations, school beginnings/endings etc… and you have a real task. 

I think it is helpful to start with desired bedtime and work backworks to plan the routine of the day.  Once bedtime is decided then you can gauge what time they will likely wake up… Then you have an idea of how many hours of childcare is needed.  Put in the planned structured activities… (sports, clubs, etc) for the backbone of the day.  Then fill in naptime (if you are still in the lucky stage where they take naps) or quiet time.  And mealtimes.  The remaining hours (not very many anymore) are for flexible projects: clean-up, crafts, etc. 

Then the hours or minutes (depending on how much sleep YOU need) after child bedtime is yours!  ollie ollie oxen-free…

Of course, many days things will go awry… and that’s when there should be a default plan (special zoo trip, friendly available helpful neighbor) when the childcare/babysitter cancels, or there is a major house repair, etc. 

But with the basic outline down you will handle it with ease.  At least until your child quits taking naps.  Or won’t fall asleep anymore at 7pm.