Have you ever looked around you at these wonderful little blessings you call your children and for a moment (or two) thought to yourself,
"There's too many of them!"
Actually, my thoughts are usually more like,
"I wish I were an octopus."
or
"I wish they would all take a nap right this very second."
because there are moments in our days as mothers that feel overwhelming. We wonder how in the world we are going to get it all done. And when we are outnumbered by the 4 foot and under crowd, we are fairly certain we won't get it all done.
There just isn't enough.
Enough time. Enough energy. Enough me.
Yet, the Bible tells me these little ones are a reward from the Lord.
Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Psalm 127:3
So, there can't be too many of them. And somehow there has to be enough of me.
When I start wishing for 8 arms and a 4pm bedtime, it's time for Mommy to take a time out and rethink her household management a bit. Here are a few tips and tricks from my home to yours:
1. Delegate
You are the manager of your home and good managers ALWAYS delegate responsibilities. Who do you delegate to?
- Grandparents
- Older children
- Daddy
Be humble in your asking and ever so thankful for whatever bit of reprieve you receive.
2. Eliminate your time wasters
What unnecessary things are eating your time?
My time wasters have changed over the years. Once upon a time it was sewing. Another season in life it was reading. And of course, the big, bad internet! All of these (and more) have at some point in my life taken time away from my family. If you feel crunched for time, then there’s a good chance there is something in your life that needs to go.
3. Find a schedule that works for you
A good schedule can actually add time to your day. Of course, we always have to be ready for interruptions to our schedule, but if you have a basic schedule, you have a place to refer yourself and the children to and that takes a lot of pressure off your shoulders.
4. Family first
There will never be enough of you to go around if all you do is run around. Try to make the majority of your outside activities things the entire family can enjoy. This isn’t possible in everything, but the more things you do as a family unit, the easier it is to meet everyone’s needs as a mama.
5. Priorities
Sometimes my lack of time is really my lack of putting priorities into their rightful place. To be good managers of our homes, we have to assess everything and decide how important each thing is...including our own children's needs/wants. You are one person and you do your children a disservice if you try to pretend you are superwoman, there to do their bidding all day long. Don't be selfish, but do be reasonable.
6. Relax!
Savor that cup of tea, breathe that fresh air, smile more. Take naps with the kids, build forts out of blankets, have a conversation with a 5 year old.
If you are feeling worn thin, then you probably are. God wants you to rest. He expects you to be still.
He created you. He knows your circumstances and your children. And He didn't accidentally give you too many of them.
Blessings,
Amy Roberts, www.raisingarrows.net
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