When our children were little and under foot, I was desperate for advice on everything you can imagine. I’d ask anyone. My own mom had some general wisdom, but couldn’t remember specifics.
Because I might forget those also… I began to collect tips that worked for me and stuck them in a pocket-size notebook. By 2009, it was bursting at the seams, so I swapped to a larger journal. I then glued precious little notes and drawings from the kids onto every other page. This has become a family treasure:
- Before your children can read, make a drawing of their “list of chores.” To do 1st thing every morning and before bed. Tape it down low on a bathroom cabinet. Offer a reward when they got into a routine ($, candy, game time…)
- Whatever the kids help you do anything (no matter how poorly), remember they actually helped you. And they are learning for the future. So delegate!
- Get up 30 mins before the kids if possible. And exercise! Pray WHILE you workout. You’ll feel better all day.
- If you don’t do it (whatever it is), it probably won’t get done… so stop procrastinating and get busy. Grab a kiddo to help you.
- When rested, you’ll commit to anything. When you’re tired, you’re ready to quit. So WAIT 24hrs before committing to ANYTHING! (don’t get guilted into signing up: for sports, taking a dinner, volunteering at school, getting a pet). Your family comes 1st.
- No one really cares what size jeans you wear, but you.
- Best advice you’ll ever get: “Everything gets better…EVERYTHING!
- Don’t forget: (Ps. 56:8) God records your sorrows and collects your tears. He gently leads those with young. (Isaiah 40:11)
- Be Content! (Ps. 16:5) The Lord has assigned you your portion and cup.
- Laugh at yourself daily! Pray for a sense of humor.
- Babies need their rest and so do you!! Put them in their own space and stick to a schedule. Self-soothing is important. Let them cry to sleep, at least by 3 months. They will be good little nappers.
- A drawer for PJs (unfolded) is very easy for kids to maintain.
- Crock pots are life savers, morning dump in and forget.
- Even big kids need a quiet/room-time. You need it too.
- Play in the rain! Get wet with the kids
- Don’t eat in front of the TV
- Lay on the driveway and look at the stars
