Successful Homemaking with Toddlers: Is it Possible? Part 5
Now that we've covered some basic groundwork as it relates to successful homemaking with toddlers, I want to share some practical things which have helped me tremendously to cultivate more organization in our lives.I've already covered some of these in detail in the time management series, so I'll just be posting links to those and encourage you to go read them:
1) Get up early - This is the number one thing which has helped me to keep some semblance of organization in our lives. Read more here.
2) Create a morning routine - Choose five things to do in the same order every morning. Read more here.
3) Develop a workable, full-fledged schedule - After I developed and implemented a workable morning routine and had seen how much of an impact this had made in my day, I moved on to establishing more organization in my life by creating and implementing a full-fledged daily schedule. Read more here.
Just as a written budget allows our money to work so much harder and go so much farther each month, so a written game plan for each day enables us to use the time much more wisely. What I have found most helpful about a written routine for our day is that I know what I'm supposed to be doing and when I'm supposed to be doing it. If I don't plan for it, it often doesn't get done.
With this in mind, here are just a few ideas of things I'd encourage you to plan into your day if you have toddlers:
First off, plan time in your schedule to enjoy your children and invest in them.
When the weather is nice, take your children out for walks and let them run around outside and get fresh air, sunshine, and exercise. It will not only be good for them, but it will be healthy for you as a mom, too.
Read wholesome, character-building books to your children on a variety of levels. When I read picture books to the girls, they sit next to me, look at the pictures, and follow along with the words. When I read books a bit above their level with few or no pictures, the girls usually just listen in while playing in the same room quietly. We've also found a great time to read at our home is when we're sitting at the table eating. Breakfast time couples as Bible time at our home and tea time in the afternoon is also reading time.
Be a cheerful, joyful, fun mama who gets down right at your children's level and just has a blast with them! Play games, sing together, pray together, work together, laugh together, talk with your children not just to them, love on them and shower them with hugs, kisses, and encouraging words.
Who says mothering has to be a boring, dreary, burdensome task? Sure, it's a lot of hard work and responsibility, but you can also have the grandest time in your life nurturing and caring for these precious souls God has given to you!
Pro-actively planning time in your schedule to enjoy your children, play with them, and invest in them will be one of the most valuable things you can include in your day. And having a written framework for you day that you follow allows you to make sure and include this important time in your day.
Next time, we'll talk about a few more things I'd encourage you to plan into your day. Stay tuned!
How have you been enjoying your children recently? What fun activities have you been doing together? What helps you to be a joyful mother? I'd love to be inspired from you all!
Labels: Home Management and Organization
posted by Crystal Paine at 10:00 AM
20 Comments:
My daughter is almost 3. She also has some special needs. I would call her "high maintenance". She won't sit still to read a story or play quietly while I read or do something. If she is awake she requires 24/7 attention. Luckily she still naps so I have 1 1/2 hr per day to scramble around and get things done. I agree about having a routine- toddlers LOVE routines!
I have to get her out of the house though or we go stir crazy. Either a trip to the park or the library is a daily activity. She just has way to much energy and way to short an attention span to stay in the house with me all day.
I used to fantasize about having a child that was cooperative and quiet and obedient. Now I just try to go with the flow because I am never going to have that. She is really spunky though and her disability does not keep her down.
I've been enjoying my kids IMMENSELY this past week. I am blessed and spoiled to have not one but TWO precious gramma's in the house caring for us after the birth of our precious blessing #5 so I have been doing NOTHING except loving and enjoying kids.
On Saturday I prepared our annual "Spring" treasure hunt (we don't mix eggs et al with Ressurection Sunday)and the weather was GORGEOUS and we invited neighbour kids over and it was all just too beautiful and fun. Today we will start transplanting our bedding plants and tilling the garden, yay!
Sometimes I wish we had grannies living with us all the time :D. Sometimes.
This has been one of your best series, Crystal.
Extremely helpful from someone who is doing it right now--not just remembering the way they did it 10 years ago.
Thanks for this series Crystal! I have a 2 1/2 year old and an 8 month old and I'm picking up great tips from your posts. This morning while the youngest was napping, my toddler and I baked cookies for Daddy. I really try to make one-on-one time fun and educational for us everyday!
My "just turned 5" (on May 6)year old daughter and I share special time each day reading the Little House on the Prairie series while I nurse my 9 month old. We started after Christmas and have completed the series; we've moved on to the next series about Rose Wilder's life. My 2 year old boy isn't as interested in the long books, but he LOVES to cook with me. He sits on the counter top and cracks eggs (really well!) and mixes ingredients.
Another special thing my kids are blessed to be able to do is go see and "help" daddy at work. He coaches at a school 1/2 block from our home. We often visit him at practice (football, basketball, and track.)
I agree- scheduling is the key! In the mornings, while I am busy doing our morning tasks- dishes, breakfast, packing my husband's lunch, preparing whatever I can for lunch and dinner- my small boys catch on to my 'bustle' and keep busy too! Everybody "works" together....transferring seashells from box to bucket and back again, is, after all, important work to a 2-year old!
When everything is complete (or at 9 am, whichever comes first!) we switch gears. The baby takes a nap, the toddler takes a walk with Daddy (or reads with him if it's a rainy day), and busy Mama gets quiet time.
Developing a routine and staying consistent works wonders! Everybody is happier.
Thanks for this series, Crystal!
Dear Anonymous-I couldn't help but feel your frustration about having a little bit of hyper one. I wanted to share some fascinating information. Something you may look into.
I recently read that there are certain foods that have been proven links to children and hyperactivity
Especially Sodium Benzoate (a preservative found in beverages and syrups) and Food dyes--especially yellow, red and blue! So convincing are these results that some countries in Europe have banned them from food. U.S. is reluctant because Sodium Benzoate is too valuable to too many giant Coorporations. Surf the web you will easily find this out.
These ingredients are in sooooo many foods really hard to vear from. We did some trial experiments with our sons diet and have been BLOWN away by the results. He is super calm, more attentitive, less high strung. He use to wig out over little things.
I was advised to read a book
"Is This Your Child" by Doris Rapp MD--a national best seller---This book was sooooo worth the money. Every parent should check it out. YOu might be surprised at what allergies are out their and people just think the kid is being rambuncious.
I wish all teachers were forced to read this book to open their eyes to other possibilities besides instant lables such as ADHD. My son has not attended school because I knew teachers would want to tag him with this. But things are much better now and I want to shout it from the roof top that diets do make differences for kids.
Thanks for your post, Crystal. I have three little girls (5,3,1), and I am so thankful for the great joy I have in the time I get to spend with them. I just wanted to mention a couple of things that have made a noticeable difference in my days that someone else might find helpful.
First, I've had to re-work a lot of our schedule lately since the weather has been so nice. We live in the South and have been enjoying a wonderful spring. All my girls would love to be outside as much as possible, which makes it a little tough for me to get much done. So I've been trying to find ways to accomodate large amounts of outside time by simplifying a little more and moving any tasks I possibly can outside. It takes some maneuvering, but it makes a big difference in everyone's day if we can enjoy the outdoors more. I know that once the summer really hits and it's TOO hot to go out in the afternoons, we'll have to re-arrange again (maybe eating outside for breakfast?!). So I would say that trying to remain flexible makes a big difference.
We have also made some music/listening changes that have made a real difference in our days. We used to listen to our local Christian music radio station in the car, but lately we've been listening to scripture songs for kids (Hide 'em in Your Heart, Vol. 1 and 2), and it makes such a difference! My girls love them and it is so wonderful to hear them singing/learning scripture. My five-year-old has also been asking great questions about the scripture, so it's turned into a valuable teaching time. We've also started listening to more energetic music when we're doing things like picking up or doing laundry, and it's been good for them (and me) to associate this "work" time as fun, together time. I think music can also be a great help for little ones (and moms) who have difficulty with transitions during the day.
I'm also loving this series Crystal. I'm learning. I get all excited, make fantastic plans, get disappointed by my expectations and then realize the Lord's yoke is much lighter and MUCH more effective than the one I've been trying to implement in my dreamed up ideas about homemaking, i.e. being a watchful wife and mom.
I have to have a plan and a written schedule, otherwise I walk around picking my fingers saying, "What am I supposed to be doing?" I'm just that kind of person. But I'm learning that the plan and schedule is just a guide, to help me walk purposefully with my kids through the day. But often what was written or plan doesn't happen.
My boys are 5 and 3. Each with their opposite personalities. The older just wants to hunt and dig in the dirt and find lizards. The younger wants to read a book or play a game. We're trying to "do our outside work first" (Proverbs 24:27), such as making beds, pulling weeds, picking up litter around our place, etc. and in that time I'm seeking to keep the attitudes happy. We sing, play music, ask questions, "What day did God make the plants on?...Why do we clean up our toys?...What letter does BED start with?" It seems to be helping us get much done without thinking of it as such a burden, enjoying each other while we work and learning as we go.
I tend to want to compartmentalize everything...school 9am, Bible, 9:15am, chores 10:00am, etc. But it's too rigid and I'm learning the meaning of Deut.6:6-7 and how to apply it to my own life.
Thanks again for these posts!
Sheila
Anonymous: I'm no parenting expert but I *do* know that no child is born cooperative and obedient. :) That's why God has instructed parents to train their children.
Here are just a few thoughts from a mom who still has much, much left to learn when it comes to mothering and child-training:
Training takes time and work and patience and practice. We practice obedience here everyday so that Kathrynne is learning what is expected of her and what is right.
For instance, right now she's been struggling with slamming doors, so I have been pro-actively working with her on closing the doors quietly. We practice this and I praise her when she does it correctly and we talk about how it's important to close the doors quietly so we don't wake Kaitlynn up or scare her.
Everyday we are seeking to lovingly train her. We practice saying "thank you" and "please" and obeying the first time and coming when called and so on and so forth. It takes time for sure, but it pays off in the long run as she is learning first-time, cheerful obedience and respect for authority.
And it's only because of training and practice that Kathrynne will play quietly while I read or sit and have tea with me or come when she's called. None of those things happened naturally, believe me! And she still has a long way to go in many areas, but it's exciting to see our efforts paying off as she is growing up into a respectful, cheerful child who is a delight to be around (at least much of the time!).
Don't lose hope! Try taking things in bite-size pieces, set small goals (use the timer if that helps!), and lovingly instill obedience and respect in your daughter. It might take more patience and perseverance in your situation, but it will pay off. So keep on, keepin' on.
And yes, definitely get outside everyday and let your daughter get lots of exercise. We usually go on a long walk everyday and I have Kathrynne ride her trike to help burn off some of her incredible energy! It amazes me just how much energy she has!
Another idea, if you're not already doing it, is to cut out as much sugar and corn syrup and all food coloring. As Donna said, foods can really affect a child. We totally avoid all food coloring in our house (we read all labels before buying!) and try to limit sugar intake to only a few times per week. We're not dealing with any special needs here, but we've noticed a huge difference when we make sure she's not eating a lot of sugar.
God bless you as you seek to nurture your precious daughter!
Great article! Thanks so much for the advice and tips!
God Bless
Crystal <>< (SAHM)
I just wanted to add that time with your children is important at all ages and if you learn to love spending time with them when they are young, you will love it even more as they grow. My children are 12, 10, 9, and 7 and I still have so many moments when they make me laugh. There are days when I just don't(and sometimes choose not)to make time for a specific game or something of that sort. But my children and I enjoy each others company in the daily things we do. Don't get me wrong, they have their disagreements and arguments, but they forgive each other and are still learning every day. So all the past moments are adding up and the time it takes is defenitely worth it!
Also, I would like to add a little input to diet. We are no where near the point we need to be at with our diet. But we have cut down sugar extremely, don't buy anything with red dye in it and very little with sodium nitrite. We try hard not to do "junk food" in our house either. I also have figured out that making things from scratch is much better for my kids. My nine year old tends to be a bit high strung, but when I watch her sugar, she is much better. Also, there is something called "Calming chamomile" that you can buy from the Health Food Store. This works wonders for my kids(and myself) when our hair is just frazzled!
This is something God has been challenging me on quite a bit lately. Between homeschooling, work, and housekeeping sometimes the 'fun' gets missed. I so need to intentionally build relationships with each of my children throughout each day (or at least most days). In the midst of all that HAS to get done, He gave us these children to relate to and mentor also.
I have enjoyed planning 'intentional' play time, something in between schoolwork and free time. I know studies have shown great benefit to early science exposure, and I love to talk with my littles about God's creation and explore it along side them.
Today we talked about air and wind and played with balloons (blowing them up and letting go, listening to the sound of the air, put them in the freezer, batting them in the air, etc.) Lots of fun, but lots of conversation about what we observed, too. My 2 and 4 year old love this time of day. Just me and them having fun and learning together. We've used the book Simple Science Experiments for the Very Young for some great ideas.
I blogged more about my "preschool" time a while back.I think blogging is sometimes a great place for accountability. If I type it, I better be doing it.
We can never have enough reminders to enjoy these days with our little ones, not just get through them.
Thanks!
~Erin
http://delightinginhisrichness.blogspot.com/2008/04/multi-age-teaching-and-my-preschool.html
On keeping it fun... here in Wisconsin Spring can be wet and cold. Picnic on the floor! We had a grand time laying out a beach towel, setting out strawberries and other picnic foods, and inviting dolls. My 3 year old enjoyed being able to select foods from the large plates. And... FREE! Jen
You can go to my blog and see this post for what my 3 yr. old and I have been up to lately! I love days like this with her!!
http://daythelordmade.blogspot.com/2008/04/memorable-moments-html
Blessings!
Hi Crystal!
You mention reading wholesome, character building books to your daughters. Do you happen to have a list of these books? I would love to add to my daughter's book collection! :)
His,
Mrs. U
This is such a lovely series. I love that you focus on approaching motherhood with JOY!
When I am a joyful and warm presence in the lives of my children, I find that they are eagerly obedient and quite happy.
When I am distracted and self-focused, I anger easily and allow things to happen that are misbehavior (for example, letting a little guy follow me around with a full bag of fish crackers and then being angry when he dumps them out.) This is naughty, but it is naughtiness "set up" by a mom whose focus isn't where it is needed! The same small guy who has his snack at the table, while I read to him, and then "helps" me while I work is not nearly so naughty! In fact, he's quite a cheerful and happily obedient little being.
Thank you for this reminder. I needed it today.
I was recently in a situation where I had the opportunity to attend a excellent class about ministry but found myself without a babysitter. I was a little upset with my husband to begin with because he went to the class and didn't offer to watch the kids so I could attend instead. The the Lord reminded me that my children are my #1 ministry and I would have plenty of time in the future to do other things. I thank the Lord for this reminder as I then throughly enjoyed my kids that day instead of resenting them for being in the way of my 'doing ministry'.
The Lord gave us the blessing of children for a short season. Love them, enjoy them and raise them in the ways of the Lord - I know these days will pass all too quickly.
Michelle
I'll chime in with a second request for that list of wholesome books.
I'd also be interested in any suggestions (from Crystal or from anybody here) on good books to read to little boys. Mine are almost-3 and just-over-1, so about the same ages as Crystal's. Something about the equivalent of the Little House series, but more boy-oriented, would be great.
Post a Comment
<< Home