Upon finding this quote on pinterest some time back it has weaved it's way into my brain and rattles around from time to time. There are days when I all feel that I do is "manage" things. Plan and make meals, get laundry washed and ready for put away, clean toilets and floors. However, I hope that I take the time to make my children feel like valued little human beings.
I think this is harder than it sounds because it means that I both spend time and effort to train and love them, but that I also don't overdo it. That I spend time stepping back and letting them discover parts of life on their own. I want them to feel successful and confident as they grow.
As a society we are horrible at letting our children be "bored." At my house I have found that typically boredom has a ten minute hump. One of my children will come up and tell me they are bored. I will respond with a few ideas (usually some fun and some chores) and let them know I will trust them to find something to do. They then go on the whine and flop on the floor for 5-10 minutes, then they find something they are interested in.
During these "bored" sessions my children have made some of the things they are most proud of. Creations of art projects are a popular one. Reading a new library book, or even organizing a closet have happened too.
There has to be management of a home. It is more pleasant to live with at least an outline of what needs to happen. Some of you are great at checklists, some of you just have an overall idea of what needs to get done by tomorrow. Whatever works for you is great. As you are managing, think of ways to build your little human beings alongside you.
Here are a few links to some "I'm bored" jar ideas - a simple craft to make for your family:
http://www.somewhatsimple.com/the-mom-im-bored-jar/
http://imom.com/tools/training-tools/im-bored-jar/
http://www.shabbybeachnest.com/101-idea-im-bored-jar/
http://www.homespun-threads.com/hp_zencart/download/bored.pdf
How do you "snap yourself out of it" when you are feeling like being a manager is your ONLY role?
What do you think are some of the best things you can encourage your kids to do when they are bored?
