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Having Routines Can Make Your Family
Flourish
by: Amy Tipton
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I have to say that my family was in complete
shambles until a
few months ago. Not to say that it is in complete uniform order right
now, but it is working out a lot better than it did before. I owe all
our peaceful days to two things…hard work and routines. My routines
have made the hard work easier, too! I have peace of mind that when I
go to bed at night, I did all that I could do to make those I love
flourish that day. That makes me smile.
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Look at your life. Look at what works and
what doesn't. Make a
list! For example, my husband is home such a short time in the
evenings that I can't do the dishes after supper without interfering
in our evening. I didn't like leaving those dishes. I am the
dishwasher in the family. This is why I put a dishpan under my sink to
place rinsed-off dishes in until the morning. My evening is so much
more peaceful and I get to enjoy my whole family because of it.
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Another example is that being the expectant mother that
I am
right now, my memory gets a little fuzzier than usual. I keep a list
for each little chore I must do each day, no matter how big or small.
It helps me check each item off and forget about it. (If I haven't
anyway!). I never forget because I write my list of things that I do
each day in a protective sheet and use a dry erase marker to mark
everything off. Just erase and reuse the next day!
My son knows what happens each day when he wakes up. He knows
when mealtime will be (approximately) and he knows what will happen
before bed also. He is comforted by these routines. He knows what to
expect and we are on automatic pilot. He is four years old and I have
taught him that when the clock reads nine-zero-zero it is time to hop
in bed and we read a story in the dark with his flashlight. He loves
this! Children thrive with consistency of family routines and habits.
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When your life lacks
routines, you lack direction. Your mind
lacks the ability to focus, and you don't know which way to turn next.
I know because I still falter from time to time. I fall off the
wagon from my routines and it is hectic when I do. The key is finding
what works for you. I can't tell you a magic potion or formula that
will be a perfect routine or plan for everyone. That is why it is
YOUR family! Each person is different, as well as each family. What
works for me probably won't work for you. Think about your needs and
then figure out what works for you. You will be happy that you did.
Your children will smile! You will smile too! |
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