While homeschooling my girls I’d often fluctuate between planning everything to the T or just seizing the day as it came. I have to admit though, by planning ahead I felt more in control and I got much more done. It doesn’t take a lot of time to plan ahead either. I would simply get my notebook out and make a list of what needed to be done the following day. This included everything from laundry and shopping to homeschool lessons.
I tried not to set time limits on anything though. Whenever I would put activities into their own little time block I found that it stressed me out a lot more than if I just went down the list. I’d begin my list with what I wanted to accomplish first then end it with what I hoped to get done at the end of the day. I would then put an asterisk next to the things that absolutely had to be done and if they did get completed I was a happy
Try to be as prepared as possible each day, keep lessons short, spend some individual time with each child, and take a time out when necessary. Over time you’ll discover what works best for you and your family and you’ll find that your days are for more productive.