But sometimes, too much, is …. well too much!
Busy Moms
You love your kids!
We can get weary.
I get it, you are not alone!
Ive felt that way many of days Ive got 6 kids, and 3 are preschoolers.
It doesnt make you a bad mom because you crave quiet or need some me time!
But how do you get that coveted ME TIME in the busyness of life?
I wouldnt change it.
I love getting this time with my kids I know they grow up all too fast!
Setting up a routine with the kids is the first step in claiming your sanity.
If kids know what is expected of them, they know how to meet them.
you’re free to print a schedule, that helps me, or just start developing patterns.
So when should your kids go to bed?
That is really up to you.
Younger kids can realistically be in bed by 7 or 7:30.
Well in our house, we never got rid of them.
In our home, quiet time is a time when the house is literally QUIET!
My little people who still take afternoon naps, nap.
They know they cannot come out and talk until 3pm.
This is good for 2 reasons:
Are there times we break quiet time?
But most days of the week it is free time for Mom and every day it is QUIET!
Try alternating evenings of watching the kids.
Give your partner the night off at least once (if not more) a week.
You guys are a TEAM and know your kids the best.
Then after 30 min or so ask if they need to swap.
Then neither of you gets too frustrated and you both get a needed break.
Encourage Responsibility
Having everyone home all the time will undoubtedly mean MORE MESS!
But that shouldnt mean you have to clean it all!
Having kids help with household chores is good for them!
It helps them take responsibility, build character.
So even if your kids have never helped around the house before now is the time!
Repeat until all the chores are assigned to someone.
you could trade off chores every week.
Another idea is to draw chores at random from a hat.
Kids tend to make less mess when they realize they will have to clean it up!
I suggest holding them accountable with a checklist or limiting rewards if they havent finished their chores.
Ive only ever had to threaten that one….. it seems to do the trick in our house.
Deal Swiftly with Behaviors
Nothing can grate on your time at home together quicker than naughty children!
Now is not the time to be lax with discipline.
But more if you say something follow through!
If not, they will stop obeying and that spins out of control really quickly!
You are all stuck in your house it needs to be a safe space.
You may also need to take away privileges like staying up late, dessert, electronics, etc.
If you are consistent with your expectations, kids will know how to behave and everyone will be happier!
Practice Selfless Love
Kids are great imitators.
So watch, evaluate, and make changes as needed.
Because kids are great at imitating, if you start setting an example of putting others first.
They will follow your example.
And unlike toilet paper that is in short supply, hugs and encouraging words are FREE!
So confirm you hug everyone who lives in your house 3 times a day.
Praise others in your house for concrete things (we are not talking about blanket, empty words).
Take a peak at 101Fun Things to Do at Homeor pick something you like, but do something together.
When you are laughing together you wont have time to be annoyed!
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