Your rhythm should suit your family
But supper might benefit from being a bit earlier
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Speaking of getting up and also going to bed:
Isn’t it illuminating to discover that in general, one’s circadian rhythm is a bit longer than 24 hours? And of course, the phases of the moon have more of an effect on our daily needs and perceptions than the motion of the sun.
What this means for the housewife who is managing the schedules at home is that there will always be a certain tension; most of all, a certain tendency to be later every day, especially with the evening meal and then, bedtimes.
Thus, I find most of us benefit from having a set time to serve supper (with due flexibility of course), earlier than we are quite comfortable with.
Most of us will run late. But aiming for earlier means an earlier cleanup and then time for enjoyment, reading aloud, and prayer afterwards. Then onto a gentle bedtime routine. Contrary to what you might think, this is even more important on weekends, going into a restful Sunday.
You even start to notice that the baby becomes overstimulated and unable to sleep if evenings are too noisy.
Crucially, having dinner a bit earlier (which means planning, go here) allows time in the evening for husband and wife to relax in peace and quiet before the hour gets too late and the less optimal cycle is set in motion yet again.
The fulcrum and essence of family life is the marriage, not the care of children (which is its purpose or goal, but not its essence) — and every day needs some restoration of the relationship — in peace!
As with everything here at the SFH, the best thing is for you to take my ideas, which come from my experience of escaping feminism to enjoy the gift of 45 years of marriage, seven children, and more than a score of grandchildren, and apply them to your situation with discernment, prudence, and confidence — and a sense of humor!
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For the longer version:
My book on how to live with the Liturgical Year: The Little Oratory
I have tried for years to have an earlier supper. But my husband repeatedly has asked for supper around 8:30PM in the summer. He works a full time job and then comes home to run our farm and doesn't want to come inside until dark, even to eat. Which makes bedtime later for our children, even the baby and toddler have been moved into this rhythm. They get the appropriate hours of sleep, just wake up later and go to bed later. I've just had to accept that this is okay for us, it is what helps my husband the most, and do all I can to ensure this still gives us a calm and peaceful evening