Help
With Your Rule
And the Kids Roll Their Eyes...
Dear Holly,
I purchased A Mothers Rule of Life back when it was first available. I love it. You can tell by the fact that it is falling apart that I read and re-read it. I have been working on my rule for several years but I STILL don't have it quite right. I recently purchased the ebook (workbook) and it has helped me to re-focus, being with the 1st P and so on. But now, every time I tell my kids we're going to change our schedule a little, they all roll their eyes and say (or think) "not again!". Does anyone else have this problem or am I just not competent in this area? I'm really hoping that by starting with the first P and making sure we are solid in that before adding anything else it will help. Just open to suggestions here.
Labels: About a Rule of Life
posted by Holly at 8:07 AM
5 Comments:
Every Fall & Spring I assess my rule and do slight schedule alterations. This year, I had exercise with the kids scheduled for the evenings. But with one thing or another, it wasn't happening. Eventually, I decided to try cutting back school by 10 minutes a subject, and opening up a 45 minute period in the middle of the afternoon before I do my office work so we can get to the gym. It worked!
In my opinion, alterations and readjustments are a fact of life, but that doesn't mean one's whole rule is altered. The rule, to me, is the spirit of the rule, which deetermines how and where I spend my time , energy and focus. It is on God, family, home and apostolate ( and now, added study as I get my Masters). The important part of my rule is that I DO do daily prayer regularly, I take care of my 2nd P, I attend to my husband and children, I hmoeschool and get to my housework and the basic chores are done.
How this is accomplished, and when everything fits in is open to ongoing readjustment.
Some things need to stay about the same: our meal times are pretty standard: Mass times are standard. That I do my laundry starting in the morning is standard. But I may start it at 8:15 instead of 8 am.
I find creating a practical rule in chunks is best and easiest.
Chunks are longer periods of time when many things are to be done, but they can be done in any order.
For example of time chunks:
7-9am
Prayer approx 20-30 min
Furnace/laundry on/breakfast/bedroom/hygeine
The rest of the time is mine.
School is 9-12:30 with a 20-30 minute break.
From 12:30 - 2:30 is lunch, pre & post lunch chores, prayer & quiet time and gym.
2:30 - 5 is office work/homeschool planning/studying/errands.
5-6 Supper & chores
6-9 Family, walk, events, family prayer
9-10 Study
This way, I can be flexible without being scrupulous.
Also, if you are having difficulty with your rule, email me a copy of your file and I can assist you.
As for kids rolling their eyes! Well! Roll your eyes right back! :-) A simple little talk sharing what you are trying to do will help them understand.
I like the idea of blocks of time. I think that helps. I tend to "micro manage" things and I get very frustrated when things get off schedule. I have to confess I am so bad about this that there are times when, if I wake up late, I just want to forget the schedule entirely. Yesterday was one such day and by 10:00 AM I knew I made the wrong choice. Even if we start late, sticking to our schedule keeps things so much more peaceful around here.
You know, I also arrange for about 20 extra minutes in those chunks - so that on bad days, I don't get thrown off. You may want to look at this too
Holly said: "Also, if you are having difficulty with your rule, email me a copy of your file and I can assist you."
Holly, I haven't wanted to bother you with this but I would love to hear what you have to say regarding my rule. I guess I'm really wondering if I am just being unrealistic. If you have a minute to look at it, I will send it, I'm just not sure how to get it to you. Thanks!
Becky
Type it up and mail it to me - daily/weekly schedule and perhaps a chore chart for the family, if possible - not necessary- at
holly@mothersruleoflife.com
:-)
No bother at all.
Holly
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