I spent last week reminding myself of a very basic truth. When I am in that spot... micromanaging my family and telling them what needs to be done next... I have put myself there. Mark and I have allowed ourselves to be pulled back in to a place where my children rely on us to tell them what is happening. It does not have to be this way. It is not what is best for any of us. And yet, last week I found myself saying things like this:
-brush your teeth
-use soap in the shower
-get ready for school
-feed the dog
-help with the table
-pick up your dishes
-etc.. etc... etc...
Why do I let myself fall back into this? I know better! We all know better. My children (and your children) do not need to be told every single thing because they already know these things. We have taught them these things from an early age! What we need to do is empower our families to manage their day, doing all the things they know they must do. When they do, stress is relieved and our day runs smoothly and we get to be the people we want to be... the parents we want to be.
This week, I will get organized and take care of the things that I must do. I will chip away at chores and make my menu plan and work behind the scenes. And I will empower my children to do the same. (I speak on this topic, Sticks!, so contact me at www.NadiaSwearingen-Friesen.com if you want to know more about the way we make this happen at home.) This week, I will remind myself that some jobs are mine and some are theirs and when we all do what we need to do, our home runs beautifully. When we do this, we have time to share together and emotional energy to spend in positive ways.
So today, I will start at the beginning.
1. I will review our schedule and post it.
2. I will be sure that chores are assigned.
3. I will post our menu.
What are we eating? Read on!
Monday: Half priced pizza from a local restaurant... enough for all to eat for about $9.00!
Tuesday: Crock pot meatballs and mashed potatoes. I posted the recipe link here. I had no idea how much my kids loved this meal until I started tracking our menu. It is quick and easy and I like it, too! I am planning a special dessert to celebrate Valentine's Day!
Wednesday: Lasagna with homemade garlic bread and spinach.
Thursday: Chicken quesadillas with dips and veggies. This meal is so easy, it is amazing! The chicken quesadillas are a mixture of cooked, diced chicken, a blend of cheeses and canned chopped green chilies. I put a tortilla in a hot pan, top with this mixture and then top with another tortilla. After flipping to heat both sides, I put the quesadilla in a warm oven and continue on to the next batch. Right before serving, I cut them with a pizza cutter and serve with fresh salsa, guacamole and sour cream. Easy and kid-friendly!
Friday: Mark will be home with the kids and they will grill hamburger and hot dogs.
Saturday: The kids will cook! Hello, mac and cheese! We will round this out with fresh fruit and veggies.
Sunday: You know how I love Sunday dinner! This week, we will have ham with all the fixings!
What about you? What will you be doing this week to ensure your days go smoothly? What jobs can you delegate to family members to relieve the stress you feel? Today is Monday. Let's make a plan and start the week off well. Think it through with me... What are you going to do?
I have wipe boards to clean, Stick! cups to set out, chores to assign and a week to plan! So, it is time for me to begin!
Blessings on your day!
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