Have any of you watched the Veggie Tales video (it's about loving your neighbor--but I can't remember what the exact name of it is since it's been a loooong time since my kids have watched it) in which one of the veggies gets stuck in a hole and needs help to get out? While the poor veggie is stuck upside down in a hole, several other veggies stop by, see him stuck in the hole, and then waltz around singing songs about being too busy to help him get out. Lots of times when I get too busy, that song goes through my head.
"We're busy, busy, dreadfully busy! More than a bumblebee, more than an ant. Busy, busy, horribly busy! We'd love to help, but we can't!" Another line says, "Busy, busy, you've no idea what I have to do! Busy, busy, terribly busy! Much, much too busy for you!"
Well, I've noticed that, when I remember that song and try my best to make time for my kids even when I'm "too busy," home life seems to go much better. I'm sure you've all experienced those times when you were in a big hurry to go somewhere or get something done, and your kids all fell apart, fussed with each other, had tantrums, and whatever other negative behaviors they could come up with. I sure have!
So, how does this all fit together? Where are my ramblings going? Here's my point. Even though I've been really busy lately, I've been trying to slow down in other areas (like blogging and even housework at times) to spend time with my kids in spite of being "too busy." I don't plan to stop blogging, and I CAN'T quit doing housework (oh, well!), but I am trying to make time for my family first. Then if something else doesn't get done, at least I've done what's most important first.
I have definitely seen a difference in my family since I've been putting "family time" first. I hate to admit that it's so hard for me to do that, but I'm getting better at it! What about you? Do you have any time-saving plans that help you get the "have to do them" things done faster leaving more time for the "want to do them" things? Are you great at meal planning? (I'm NOT!!) Housework tips? I'd love to hear them! Are you "in the boat" with me? I'd love to know that too.
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Hi Wendy,
ReplyDeleteGood to hear you are doing all right and just keeping busy!
My only housekeeping tip is to do one room a day. It has worked wonders for our house and my sanity. I move from one end of the house to another doing one room a day, but do it well and do it every day. The children grab the objects that don't belong in that room and take them 'home'. They may also do the dusting at their level. I vacuum, mop etc. Doing just one room helps break up a huge job in stomachable portions and everyone can help.
I also plan all our meals and it takes a lot of planning since we buy/eat no prepackaged foods whatsoever, but I have no advice on how to do this - just do it! I plan for a few days in advance, just before a shopping trip.
Good luck!
Hugs
Alina
I, too, have slowed down on my blogging and Facebook time, b/c I realized that I was spending way too much time away from my kids. I'm trying to limit my computer time to certain times of the day only - like a job. If it's not that time of the day, or if I run out of that time, I'm not on the computer for personal things. It's really hard to keep your focus on your family, but still make time for yourself so you don't lose sight of who you are.
ReplyDeleteThanks to both of you for your comments! Alina, I really like the one-room-a-day "policy." I think I'll give that a try! The new Teacher's Toolbox (for The Old Schoolhouse Magazine subscribers) has meals for each day, so I think I'll take a look there and try to put a plan together. I KNOW that would help so much!! Thanks too, to AHCCA for your comment about slowing down on blogging and FB in order to have more time with your family. Because I work from home for TOS, I HAVE to spend a certain amount of time on the computer each day. I'm trying to cut back on the "optional" time, though, like blogging and FB, etc. And you're very right, it is hard to spend time with my family and still manage to have a little time for myself. I think if I can get my meals and housework a bit more "together," that I'll do a much better job all around!
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