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T’is the time of field trips, year end celebrations, graduations, co-op times and more. In the middle of it all is karate, art classes, homeschooling, youth clubs, volunteer work and more. Just how do you fit in the basics when your family is always busy doing stuff? Fitting in the Basics of Life in the Midst of Busyness is not always so easy. Today I will address a vital component to making it all work.
Learning Opportunities Abound
Everywhere we look there are things we can do to keep ourselves busy with… err… Learn From! There are so many opportunities to socialize, develop our faith, our emotions, our bodies.
I have two teenagers living with me right now. One has youth group, full days in high school, and friends he wants to spend time with. In the middle of it he wants to see Canada, study for an important test in Brazil, and do well in school here. The second has karate, army cadets, church cadets, music class, a paper route, animals to care for, friends to spend time with and homeschooling to do.
And me… besides the mirade of small jobs I have… I have a household to run and youth to stay involved with. How does one manage it all.
Communication
Honestly, that’s what it comes down to.
Hubby asks daily “so what are your plans for the day?” He’ll mention what he has to get done, and I’ll bring up my plans.
Boy one: “Do I have youth tonight?” “Can I go ________?” “I must study, I stay home today!” We text mostly, and attempt talking occasionally. He’s not too keen on learning English this one. But still, communication happens.
Boy Two: “Are we on week one or two?” “Can I do this?” “Today is really busy, can I choose not to do this?” “How can I fit in this? I really really want to do this, how?”
Mom: “What day works best for me to go to the library?” “Can you make supper?” “Did you pay this or do I need to?” “Who is sweeping the floor today?” “Do we need to make cat food yet?”
Adjusting to Make it fit
By talking and adjusting our lives we make it all fit. Sometimes we choose one activity over another. For instance this coming weekend the lad had opportunity to go two different places… which to choose! Then I wanted a day away with hubby, how do to that if lad chose option two? Discussion happened. No fretting needs to happen if all the details are known.
None of it would happen without communication. Communication lets me know that we need more bread, or we’re out of deli meat. Communication lets me know that bathrooms have been done. Through discussion we decide if some schoolwork can slide so a project can be more timely completed. Conversation helps us to proactively take charge of what we to so that all those little things still get done that help make our house a home.
Your turn now…. how do you make it work? When life gets crazy busy and it seems something is always on the go, how do you maintain your home in the midst of it all? What is your key to Fitting in the Basics of Life in the Midst of Busyness?
Completely agree! Communication is key to the equation. The moment I voiced that we needed to do a better job splitting up dinner making duties suddenly everything got easier in a busy season. Talk it out!
that’s great when you get an immediate response like that. 🙂
I keep lists to keep me sane and know that even if something has to give – make room for it. And grant yourself grace.
lists work well for some people. I wish I was one of them…..
Calendars! I have to keep a calendar now that the girls are older and have more independent activities. But in addition, we have to have that communication and discussion. We also let school stuff slide a bit or discuss buckling down harder now for a benefit later. Flexibility is always key.
Flexibility is huge… which is part of the whole communication thing. Calendars… hugely useful as well!
Communication is key as well as a good calendar. Lol. Also, something I have found that works is making sure you don’t say YES to everything. Set up a negotiable and non-negotiable list. The non-negotiables are things you want on your calendar no matter what and the negotiables are things you can go without if a non-negotiable comes up at the same time. Plus, schedule down days to relax and recharge!
Oh for sure, you CANNOT say Yes to everything, makes a body crazy to do that! 🙂 For me and my lad, every other day for regular activities is the max we manage.
How do I make it work? Sometimes I feel like it isn’t but then I remember every aspect of our lives is about learning and everything will work itself out in the long run.
helps if we can keep it all in perspective doesn’t it?