Now that we own a super fabulous wonderful mini-van (NEVER thought I'd use those words to describe my mom ride) I'm tempted. Tempted to over-schedule and throw the kids in the car and go places.One of the best things about owning one car for our family was knowing that three days out of 5, me and the kids were forced to be home for lack of wheels.
Though at times being home 3 days was a bit stifling (especially on Wednesdays when Matt also taught an evening class), it was comforting to know we could plan on certain down days. Me and the kids would hang out in our jammies until late morning, get some cleaning and laundry done, and just chill out in general. The kids certainly seem to thrive on at-home time especially after a few busy days of driving.
So, now that I have my own set of wheels I have to decide on our weekly schedule. Originally, I wanted to maintain my 3 days of at home status. Some weeks that doesn't seem possible. Already, this week that plan is botched. I gave into the temptation and took the kids out errand-running on a usual at-home day.
As the holidays loom nearer and the December calendar fills up, I'm wondering how I'm going to maintain this schedule balance. (I know the magic word is "no". My problem isn't merely saying no to things but realizing that oft times it's ME who wants to do a particular activity and it's not in the best interest of the kids. That means I have to be self-less and consider their needs as more important than my own. Ouch.)
My goal is still to be at home for 3 days a week during the busy holiday season. Involving the kids in homemade Christmas gifts and letting them play in their home environment will be activity enough. I'm reminded of the wise words, "A child's work is his play". As I plan activities for us I'm struck by the fact that some activities usually aren't as beneficial to them as just plain old playing or shadowing me in daily tasks.
Of course there's a balance we need to strike for our family. If we were hermits all the time that wouldn't be helpful or healthy either (though my husband wouldn't offer any complaints).
How do you maintain a find the balance between over and under-scheduling?
5 comments:
I'm so totally the WRONG person to ask about schedule balance! I'm still trying to figure out what I'm supposed to do with my afternoons/evenings now that I only work one job. So far I've just spent more time with Mike (yeah!) and I'm not getting more 'chores' done. Oh well. :-) Enjoy your new wheels & I wish you the best of all wisdom in developing your schedule. If you have any hints for me, send them on over!
I don't have an answer for you, but I think it's great that you're trying to be intentional about each day. Even if the intention is to stay home and relax with the kids and let them play -- that's great because it's just so easy for days to just get filled and fly by.
My life is less complicated than it has ever been (as far as play dates or library hour or going out just for lunch at Wendy's or for thrift shopping or the park or ladies Bible studies or whatever), but yet I still find myself wondering if I am using my days well. Am I being intentional with this time of life I have?
We live in 600 square feet so I actually try to plan something almost every single day. However, I make sure we are always home by lunch time to eat and take naps and then we usually don't go out again. Right now I'm working from home, but that will change soon. So on Mondays we often go to the park for an hour to run around. Tuesdays we run errands. Wednesdays we go to a Mom 2 Mom mentoring group at church and Owen goes to a little Bible class. Thursday we go to story time at the library and Friday we do whatever we want - go to the zoo, play at home, go to the park etc. I like for the kids to get outside and since we don't have a yard I'm pretty much forced to pack up and go somewhere.
We are a little different since our kids are school aged. But I will say that we too desire a "balance" of being home more than on the run. When Victoria and Logan get home from school Kevin is there with them for about 2 hours and he does their homework with them. When I get home we may occasionally have errands to run, but to be honest with you I would much rather be home for good when I walk in the door. We do save our running around for the weeknds...but there may be an evening here and there that we need to be out on a school night. Truth be told...the next morning it always seems a bit more difficult to get the kids up and ready for their school day.
Enjoy your new van...and wow...Chloe looks so tall in that picture! :)
We definitely have at least three "at home" days. It's easy for me, though. I really have no interest in loading up both kids unless it is absolutely necessary. Monday's are always a home day for us. There is always so much housework to do from our weekend of play! I also try and plan one play date per week. Other than that, we don't do much else. I am coveting my days at home b/c next year I know it will be so busy carting Gavin to school everyday!
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