Successful Homemaking with Toddlers: Is it Possible? Part 1
Because of a large number of requests and emails in recent weeks, I'm embarking on a series on successful homemaking with toddlers underfoot. I do not consider myself to be any expert on this subject; I only have two little girls and have been a mom for less than four years. As always, I have much left to learn and, in ten years from now, I'll likely have a much different viewpoint. However, I hope that some of what I share will be an encouragement to those of you young moms who feel overwhelmed in your everyday tasks.
Successful homemaking with toddlers--is it possible?
Yes, it is... But only with God's help, lots of creativity and diligence on our part, and our willingness to let go of perfectionism.
You see, I believe that "successful homemaking" does not mean you have a perfect home, a perfect schedule, or perfect children. In fact, none of us will ever have any of those things at any time. We live in a sin-filled world full of imperfection. If we try to achieve perfection, we will always fail and, more than likely, we'll live in despair.
However, I do believe that God can equip us and enable us to be the wives, mothers, and homemakers He has called us to be. By His grace, we can joyfully and whole-heartedly fulfill our roles as help meets to our husbands, loving nurturers of our children, and diligent managers of our homes. And we can do all of this in a manner which brings glory and honor to the Lord!
Join me in the next two weeks as I share what God has been teaching me the last few years and practical ideas I've implemented in order to seek to successfully manage our home with young children.
Note: I'd love to have some guest posts on this topic, too--especially from those of you who are more seasoned moms. Email me if you're interested in sharing!
Graphic from AllPosters.com
posted by Crystal Paine at 5:48 PM
15 Comments:
I'm excited to read this series on your blog! I have a three year old and a one year old and it's been a tough adjustment! I really enjoy all the teaching and encouraging you do about planning and being intentional about your days. You always encourage me to do a better job. I'm really looking forward to it!
I am greatly looking forward to any helpful ideas. I have a 3 year old and a 1 month old and I am really struggling!
I look forward to reading what you have to say! I am terrible with holding myself to high standards and thus get very frustrated when things don't go my way. Which they inevitably don't with an active pre-schooler. :-)
I have a 5yo, 2yo and 8 month old and one lesson I have learned is the more time they have outside the better. Even though I don't always feel like going out, our day runs so much smoother when we do. I hope for at least 4 hours out a day. Meals outside too. And when they are outside, they can't be making a mess inside!
One thing that helped me to "homemake" when I had toddlers was to cut in half my expectations for any given day.
"Do the dishes" became "do a load of dishes.
"Do the laundry" became "do one load of laundry."
"Vacuum" became "vacuum the worst parts of the house."
Etc.
I came at the right time. I so need help with this new topic! Toddlers underfoot!
Dear Crystal,
I'm not a mother yet, but I'm looking forward to this series. It's a pleasure to visit you again.
Hi Crystal! I'm a mom of 5 children ages 3(in 3 more days!), 4 1/2, 9, 11 and 12 1/2. My oldest is my only girl!
It's funny because I think that we can always learn from each other, no matter how seasoned we are or how many kids we have!
I think that organization, balance and flexbility are key to trying to keep up with homemaking responsibilities with toddlers under foot!
Thank you for doing this series. I only have one child so far (18 mos) but I'm struggling with organization and "expectations" of what I should be getting done.
I'm really looking forward to your ideas also. I always am stressing about how much needs to be done and it seems so hard when there are little ones to take care of. I have 2 daughters - age 4(almost 5) and 1.
I am looking forward to this, Crystal. I have three little ones (4, 2 1/2, 8 mos) which is a challenge in itself. But my 4-year-old also has autism and is in an intensive therapy program in our house all day. He has a lot of extra needs I have to address throughout the day and am trying not to let the other two feel left out at the same time.
So needless to say, keeping the general household running is something I struggle with. I just never seem to have enough energy to do it all! I can use all the extra motivation I can get... :)
Thanks!
I am really looking forward to reading more of this series. I have been struggling lately with the issue of perfectionism. Being reminded that it doesn't matter if all of my standards are met really hit home. I need to rely more on God in the daily tasks of my home and life. Thanks for the series!
Erin
Oh it's possible! VERY possible!!!!! I so look forward to this series, Crystal. I know that God has really put so much encouragement in this area on your heart for you to share with other women. What a great ministry! :o)
I know from personal experience that a renewed focus in life - from the biggest to the smallest - has made me a more efficient, productive and understanding homemaker. Homemaking is flourishing in my house, even with a CRAZY twenty-one month old and babysitting for my friend's nineteen-month old twice a week, too. I'll also be getting her six-week old son in mid-June...but am I scared? Not in the least. Routines, pre-planning and willpower make everything go 'round.
I am really looking forward to some ideas for my 2 1/2 yr old. And I would like to know how you are able to serve tea/hot chocolate to your kids in a china tea pot with china cups and not have it smashed to a million pieces! I could never have that even sitting on the counter at my house- it is my daughter's mission in life to break stuff!
Jan: My best advice is to start youngsters out from the time they are little with regular cups, glasses, and tea cups. We went straight from a bottle to a cup/glass with Kathrynne by-passing sippy cups altogether.
I have always been amazed at what a young child is capable of when they are entrusted with responsibility!
Start out small--2 minutes of being calm and quiet with a tea cup that you're not terribly fond of anyway. Make it a fun and exciting time of talking, sharing, laughing, reading, etc. Talk about being careful and responsible, and so forth. How she's growing into a little lady.
With some practice and coaching, your daughter just might amaze you!
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