Finding the Buffer Zone

As the fall schedule kicks in--I'm finding myself putting miles on the car and meals in sacks. Can anyone relate? 
I love the opportunities available to my kiddos. I also love their unique personalities--which means different activities to fit different kids. Downside--a lot of running. A lot of frenzy. A lot of people getting short with each other because they are too tired to cope--self included. 
I'm pausing to remember, while it's important to give opportunities to the children to learn and grow, it's just as important to build our family. And we can't build family if we're never home. So....I'm pulling the van over for the night for a family meeting where we'll establish two nights per week for everyone to be home--together. Buffer zones. Those zones that relieve stress and create space for the rest of life to take on deeper meaning. Rushing from one activity to another not only zaps us, it drains the benefits of the activities. Like a torrential downpour on parched ground, the benefits simply run off rather than being absorbed. So, we'll step back. Have set aside time just for each other. And, we'll explore new activities--but fewer. We'll pick best out of all the good, and only those that fit on non-buffer nights.
Every time a new season hits, I find myself fighting this same battle for balance. And every time I have to look to the goal--building our children; building our family.

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Motivating Your Reluctant Child
Ever find the kiddos reluctant to do a chore you've assigned? They're not being outright disobedient--just v...e...r...y slow to comply. While the reasons vary--a common cause can be that they simply don't understand what's desired. Though we think we're being perfectly clear, our children's lack of experience in the world can severely hamper their ability to comprehend what we want. Taking the time to detail the end goal and the steps to achieve can help. Children know exactly what is expected--and how to get there. Though it may seem obvious to us, those extra directions give our child the confidence they need to jump into a task. So--next time you have a reluctant worker, don't just assume they are trying to get out of the job. They may simply need a little more definition to get them moving in the right direction.

Please join us to encourage each other with your insights, remembering to keep comments uplifting and considerate of all. Click on 'comments' below to discuss this month's topic.