family yesterday at our last hooray before the craziness of fall begins, I was
reminded of all the fun we have had this summer, I really cherish all of the
time I get to spend with my family. I love summer time because I feel like
everyone can breathe and have time for one another. I am trying to figure out
how to make that feeling last throughout the year.
When fall begins, although I
love being busy, I feel my family life suffers. I often find myself overworked
and aggravated that I do not give my kids the attention I know they need. I
want to make changes this year. I have been reading some other people’s blogs
to help me get a handle on my life. Here are some valuable things I have
learned.
1. Limit Kids' Activities: We
as parents, often overschedule our children’s lives. Remember they don’t have
to do everything. Being great at one thing is often better than being just okay
at a lot of things.
2. Kill the TV: Turn off the TV. Have designated times that the TV
is on and the rest of the time, keep it off. This goes for all electronic
devices.
3. Cook
Double: Most things you cook
will freeze really well, so if you are cooking, you might as well cook double
and freeze the other meal. That way your freezer is always stocked with
delicious food that is easy to heat up.
4. Catch
Some Winks: Both adults and kids
need at least 8 hours of sleep a night. We often make bedtimes for our children
but not for ourselves. Make sleeping a priority and set a bedtime for everyone
in your house. You will feel so much better in the morning.
5. TGIF Fun Night: Set aside one night a week for Family night. It
can be Friday or any day that works for your family. Let kids take turns each
week setting the agenda: Video? Monopoly? Scavenger hunt? Whatever...it's a
time to remember that our home is not just our castle. In the 21st century,
home and family is our fortress, our best protection from the onslaught of the
24/7 world.