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Friday, June 12, 2009

Summer Survival Article


Welcome to all of you who stop by today after reading the devotion. I am glad to have you visit! Below is an article I didn't write, but wanted to share. I hope it refreshes you as we begin the long, hot summers at home!
Saved By the Bell
A Summer to Remember
Sharon Lovejoy Autry

The final bell rang. The kids screamed for joy. Mom sits in the carpool line wondering, "What in the world are we going to do all summer?!" Maybe as summer has begun, you've found yourself resentful and angry because your children constantly "interrupt" your schedule. If that's how you're feeling, you're normal.

But, wait. We wanted these kids, right? Are they really interruptions or blessings in disguise? How can we move from simply surviving the summer to making it a summer to remember?

Here are a few ideas to get you out of the summer survival rut:

1. Realize they won't be this way forever. What is it about your kids that you won't have in two years? If you are a parent of:
  • Preschoolers: Look at their hands and notice how tiny they are. Enjoy that.
  • Elementary children: When you're away from home, call them. Their voices sound small on the phone. That always reminds me to enjoy their innocence rather than expecting them to act like little grown-ups.
  • Tweens: Laugh at and enjoy their giggles (usually girls) and the fascination they have with being gross (usually boys)! Hopefully that won't last forever!
  • Teens: Even if they are driving you crazy, make your home the safe place. I still remember the fun place our parents created at home. It was our refuge. Let kids feel safe in your home by cutting down on the criticism and looking for ways to build them up. Mom and Dad's secret was a ping-pong table. We spent hours there.

2. Say "no" with a smile. It makes you and your child feel better. They know you have some regret at having to say no. You are on their team.

3. Play music. Anger and music don't usually dance. Movie soundtracks, praise songs, music from my teen years or even classical stations. I rarely find myself upset with my kids when we have music playing in the background.

4. Go outside. Sometimes taking a walk or bike ride with the kids can do wonders to change everyone's perspective.

5. Things aren't always as they seem. Remember that the way you are seeing things at this moment is probably not how it will look in a couple of hours. Frustrations can build and dissolve quickly when you have kids.

6. Offer them 30 minutes of your time. After they have helped pick up around the house let them pick what the two of you will do together and watch their eyes light up! For older kids, offer them the day off after helping for an hour.

7. Ask your kids what they think is fun. You might be surprised to find that their idea of fun often doesn't cost any money. My sister was amazed to find that her 7-year-old son's idea of "fun" was playing tag in the front yard with dad, mom and his little sister.

8. Slow down. Successful parenting doesn't mean you have your children involved in every possible extra-curricular activity. Successful parenting means you are there for them. If you've been running all year, it takes "practice" to enjoy staying home. Don't give up. Turn off the computer, TV, cell phone, etc. and read or play games (no matter what the age of your children).

9. Pray. When you are at your wit's end, ask God to help you remember what to do with your kids. On our own, it's hard to enjoy the moments because "life happens." But God has a way of giving us perspective that will slow us down and help us see our families the way He sees them: with love and compassion.

The next time you blow your top or realize you're just surviving your kids instead of enjoying their clumsy feet, silliness, or their constant desire to talk on the phone, stop and think, "one day I'll miss this!" The funny thing is, tomorrow we'll be longing for today. If we choose to think like that long enough, the kids won't be the only ones sad to hear the school bell ring this fall.

Sharon (Lovejoy) Autry, a mom of 3, co-authored Mom and Loving It, Finding Contentment in REAL Life with her sister, Laurie (Lovejoy) Hilliard, mom of 4. http://www.momandlovingit.org/
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8 comments:

Angel77 said...

Thank you so much! I tend to forget what to do with the kids. Sometimes it is just easier to let them play while I get "stuff" done (and sometimes that stuff is not necessary).
I need to be more involved in their play. Have more things for them to do. Free play is good but not all day.
Thank you for the insight on what to look for when treasuring my children. Our oldest is early elementary so it is good to know a little of what is to come.
Thanks for the encouragement! Keep it up!
Angel

Unknown said...

Marybeth,
Just popping in to say "hi" from your devo this morning.

Thank you to Sharon, too, for your great thoughts!

SO thankful that women are rising up and sharing about the hope we have in Jesus and the joy He brings to our everyday life!

Love,
Tammy Nischan

Arlene said...

Thanks for the reminder. Our children remember the time we spent with them, not the money. I hope to spend lots of time with my 9 year old this summer, God willing.

I left you an award on my blog, I'd be honored if you have a chance to visit and accept it. Have a blessed weekend.

Mom and Loving It! said...

Hi MaryBeth...
Thanks for posting my thoughts. Your blog looks great! Happy Summer!
Sharon Autry

Kendall said...

Marybeth (and Sharon) - thank you for this! I needed this and the devotion today. Gonna go and kiss my little preschoolers hands and feet now!

Deb said...

Read your devo on P31. Thanks for sharing your insights.

I know that this sounds crazy, but I'm reading For the Write Reason for the second time. The first time was before I attended She Speaks 2007. It's taken me that long to step out in faith with this writing thing. So, I'm getting even more from your book the second-go-round.

Thanks for your hard work.

Sweet dreams.

Stephenie said...

Very good advice. In the back of my mind I knew what I needed to do, seeing it on here made everything clear. Thanks!

Andrea said...

Thank you, those were wonderful reminders. Blessings
Andrea