How do you deal with "busy"?
Just having kids raises your level of "busy". But you probably have more control over your "busy" than you may think!
Two things. . .we do "waste" time, but even without "wasted" time, as humans, we almost always try to fit more "busy" into a day than is possible.
For example, our family has created some rules around our schedule.
1. We only do one appointment a day (unless having more will limit long range trips).
2. We need 1-2 "off" days a week.
Brittany looks at the day in three chunks. . .
1. Morning-they are the most productive and energetic. This is when appointments happen.
2. The afternoon-the house gets quiet, naps happen. (Generally Brittany doesn't schedule anything during this time).
3. The afternoon/evening-a VERY busy time of dinner prep and bedtime routines, nothing is planned outside the house. (This is another time when Brittany doesn't schedule anything).
Depending on which season you are in, you may need to say "no" to good things!
If you are slowly turning from "mom" to "drill sergeant" it may be an indication that you are scheduling too much.
There are busier seasons when you can't take things off your plate-it is in these times where you can focus on being kind to tomorrow's you (as Jon Acuff says).
In Brittany's family, down days are necessary! Rest isn't earned! Build in rest times for every day, and build in rest day(s) every week.
Even on a day dedicated to errands, plan ahead for meals and snacks, and build in some play time! Brittany even suggests that even 30 minutes of hard play at a park can change a busy day for the better!
Do your children participate in extracurriculars?
Brittany's family doesn't do organized sports. Years ago, they made a decision that the schedule of sports was more frustrating and stressful than it was worth. However, as a homeschool family, they do sewing classes, cooking classes, theater classes, and outings during the morning! They visit the skate park, throw baseballs, bike, kick soccer balls, just not on an official "team".
It's really important to know who you are and what you enjoy! You can say "no" to sports! There are beautiful benefits that come along with sports, but these lessons can be learned outside sports as well!
Our family does participate in organized sports, in a very chill way. I love watching my kids on the field, regardless of their ability.
Do you allow your kids to participate in more than one sport or extracurricular activity each season?
For my family, no. One activit
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