When liZ and I went to hear Daryl Hoole give a homemaking talk last fall, one of the things she said that night stuck out to me as if it were written in a neon, blinking billboard across my forehead. It was the phrase…
I have been thinking about that thought a lot lately…and have changed it to “my family deserves my best, not what is leftover.”
I am not sure what it is like at your house, but just about the time the big kids come home from school and Isaac is up from his nap—I am spent. My energy is next to none and it seems like everyone in the house needs something from me. It’s a crazy time of day.
And then I try to remember that phrase. And most days it’s still hard. People still need me. My patience can sometimes wear very thin. Dinner doesn’t always turn out.
But it’s so true—they absolutely do deserve my best.
Any thoughts on how you give your family your best? I would love to hear your insights…
My youngest started kindergarten this year so I started working 3-4 days a week last summer. In the last few months it became clear that, although it gave our family a little more money, it was not the best idea for us. As of last week I am back to being a stay at home mom, trying to catch up on all of the things in our house that I have let slide while trying to balance work and 2 very busy kids. I’m learning that planning each day is the best way to get all the household needs done while still having time to sew before the kids come home so I can give them my full attention and still get a home cooked meal on the table every night. It’s hard, but hopefully in a few more weeks I’ll have a better routine down…..then before I know it summer will start and I’ll need a new plan, haha.
I think I give my kids my best when I am taking good care of myself. And sometimes that just seams impossible. Yesterday I was lucky enough that both of my little ones napped for over 2 1/2 hours. I was able to take a break with some cross-stitch and when they woke they were so happy and rested and so was I. They had a lot of attention and no TV after waking until bed time. I wish everyday could be like that.
i need to be reminded of this on a daily basis…thanks! and i like that you took it a step further. most of the time the hubby shows up after we have had dinner and just as im getting the kids out of the tub and into bed. most of the time i am just telling him what needs to be done instead of listening to his day. he too deserves my best!
Ahhh how true! After nearly 20 years of little people at home To say I am tired is an understatement. I miss naps. I look forward to kindergarten. As I look around my house the past few days after a very large order consumed much of my time and energy, I wonder how did it get like this? I am now trying to take back my house and my life. I love that you made that statement. I am going to put it somewhere prominent in my home…or a few places in my home. Honestly, I really do look forward to Sept. It is my metamorphosis (oh I hope or I will be sorely disappointed). I will have me time. I will reevaluate my business so it fits our (I was going to say my, but it needs to be our) lives better. My trip to Vegas and your class is all a part of that grand plan. In the meantime, my family deserves my best, and I am going to work towards what that it today! Thank you!
LOVE THIS!! We need to hear it often 😉
I struggle with this almost daily. I do think meal planning helps- especially if I can have something cooking during the crazy part of the day. Though it’s pretty much a battle with my needy three year old so sometimes I just wait til my husband gets home.
I definitely struggle in this area. I’m busy. Our whole household is busy.(Except for our dog. He lives in slow motion and barks a lot.)I agree that we should give our family our best, but I also believe that our best includes those things that invigorate us and make us happy. I talk to my children a lot about what I do. Because I am “making my living” at home, I don’t always have the flexibility or freedom to leave what I’m doing, but I invite (and encourage) my children to share my space with me. I also give them lots of love, hugs, and kisses (even when it annoys them – my oldest is 12 now.)I do struggle with the guilt of not being able to “do it all”, but that struggle reminds me that I can’t take these precious moments for granted. I just continue to lean in, love with my whole heart and pray for the best.
This is such a Fabulous post! We homeschool our children and I think you have to be even more careful because it is even easier to fall into this trap. Our children will remember the time spent with them more than they will remember supper being late to the table. I know my memories are more of those special moments when my parents took time out their busy schedule to do something special with us..Or even those simple times when my dad would stand in the middle of the hallway and read us all a bedtime story as we laid in bed. Those are the things cherished and remembered!!
Thanks for sharing and reminding us of these simple things.
xo
Angelina
This is such a Fabulous post! We homeschool our children and I think you have to be even more careful because it is even easier to fall into this trap. Our children will remember the time spent with them more than they will remember supper being late to the table. I know my memories are more of those special moments when my parents took time out their busy schedule to do something special with us..Or even those simple times when my dad would stand in the middle of the hallway and read us all a bedtime story as we laid in bed. Those are the things cherished and remembered!!
Thanks for sharing and reminding us of these simple things.
xo
Angelina
My newly turned 11 year old wants me to lay down with her almost every night. She never used to be like this, so I try to make the time to do it at least once a week, because I will fall asleep with her and I still have stuff to do before I sleep. My 12 year old son still wants to hug and cuddle so I make sure he gets that for as long as he wants. I do have a short patience span but I try to remember that taking time out of my day when I am busy for these little things for my preteens is so much more memorable for them and makes them feel good.
I raised six children so I would plan my meals ahead of time. I organized lunch boxes the night before and made meals in the crockpot for busy days because I had a husband that insisted on homemade everything. Every morning I would ride my horse and take in the beauty of nature,it filled me with the power to tackle the day and girl talk with my friends if they came along. We had talk time around the table as soon as the kids were off the bus with cookies and milk and this seemed to be their release. Dinner was always together and no negetive talking was allowed,just a relaxing meal and then chores done together. Homework was quiet time,then everyone had to read or listen to stories on tape before bed, no tv. just quiet music. It calmed us all and it made for a habit that they have instilled in their own families now. This was not hard to do if you apply it everyday. Sewing and crafts were from nine to eleven for me.
You are a FANTASTIC mother. You will never regret your decision.