A schedule is so important to stick to. To simplify life with 2 boys (ages 5 and 7) and a 20 year old daughter in college, we have a routine starting in the morning. My two boys wash up and I have the clothes out from the night before for them to wear. Before they come downstairs, they have to brush their teeth and hair, and go to the bathroom. I suggest for little guys, to put pictures in their rooms to help them to remember the steps of the morning routine. Then they come down and eat breakfast. Now we still have 10 min or so to hug, talk, or pray for our day. After school. I don't put any stress on them. We relax, snack, play and spend time as a family together. Dinner, they relax a bit more then they take a bath. After the bath is homework time. Before bed we read a fun book together. As a single mom this helps alot with my time.