Today was a very bad not very good day.
In fact there have been several of those the last few weeks. Either I’m sick, the kids are sick, someone forgot to complete an assignment, dinner time is around the corner and I forgot to remove something from the freezer, etc., etc., etc.
Can you relate? We’ve all had those days.
Sometimes I think it would be better if I had stayed in bed. Or better yet, I want a “do-over.” I wish life was like a white-marker-board and I could just erase and start over. However, duty calls… the kids, the laundry, the meals, the school. You know a typical day of homeschool life.
What do you do? How about take a deep breath?
At times like this it helps to remember that the Lord who called me to homeschool will also provide, and provide abundantly IF I remember to ask. You see, I’m a very capable over-achiever. I often created personalized spelling lists, and taught my kids grammar lessons by crafting sentences using their names or those of family or friends. And, what about those amazing homemade meals I made? Let me tell you! Let’s see…homemade muffins for breakfast; great “squished” (Panini) sandwiches, with apple slices and mini-carrots for lunch; and three course meals often including a wonderful homemade dessert.
No wonder I was exhausted!
But the Lord provided and abundantly! I began first by repenting for my over-achieving ways. I didn’t need to win my kids approval or awe! They loved me just as I am whether or not I bake homemade muffins from scratch every morning. The same thing happened with my husband. He was okay with quick meals or making his own lunch. This took pressure off of me. Now that my children are older, we share some responsibilities as we juggle very full schedules. With a house full of teens, many meals revolve around sports practice or games and quick meals – mostly bigger meals made over the week-end are re-purposed for week-day leftovers, and they work well.
However you deal with your over-or-under-achieving ways – be sure to include the Lord in your plans. He will provide and he does! You will have that peace that surpasses all understanding when you are within His will. We can plan all we like and if we don’t consider what the Lord wants for us we will be frustrated and upset more days than not. What do we do? We pray and we listen. Make that time with God each day, even if all you have time is to say, “Lord I give you my day.”
I found that while I love to bake there are different times that it isn’t possible due to a hectic schedule. Or other times like today, when the crisp, cool, air just begged for an apple crisp or apple pie I baked both! I know that each of us is different but if you find you are overwhelmed or feel guilt that you aren’t keeping up with the Pinterest mommas – rest assured, me either!
Here are some sure fire ways to combat that bad day.
- Take one-thing-at-a-time.
- Prioritize. Do the most important first – that day, the rest can wait.
- Avoid the subject that is frustrating (at least for today).
- Do something outside of the ordinary. Make a picnic lunch even if it means eating in the living room. Bubble baths with bathing suits on could be just what the little ones need when fussy during a rainy day.
- Leave the house. Sometimes a change of scenery really helps. Whether it is a walk around the block or just going outside to let off some steam.
What can you add to this list – what helps to turn that very bad, no-good day into a winner? Share your ideas with us!
PS: Don’t forget Mom… take a few minutes, and think about one thing you can be thankful for and hold on to that thought for the day. And, I’ll pray you next day is better.
Hi,
I’m listening to today’s noon program “A very bad day”. And by commenting here I believe I am entered to a contest to win I think a book….I apologize…I was rushing to sign online.
Thank you!
Lourdes
Thanks for entering Lourdes! And yes, the program is here https://ultimateradioshow.com/parent-child-bond/
Parent-Child Relationships.
Thanks for stopping by!
Thanks for a chance to win the book. I am attending the live event, but there’s no sound right now. Am I doing it wrong?
I can hear it now. Thanks!
Glad the sound issues were restored rather quickly! And so glad to have you girls there live that helps tremendously – can you imagine if I recorded the entire show without realizing this!! 🙂
I can totally relate to this! Love the tip on not talking about the frustrating aspect of it until later. How quick I can turn to grumbling and complaining! 🙂 Thanks for the live event on The Secret Code! I am enjoying it now.
Thanks, Tauna and for the great questions about multi-age children and secret-code time! It can be done with some inventive scheduling. 🙂
I heard the tail end of this whilst having a battle with my youngest. Sounds like I will download to listen to it tomorrow at the Dr’s office in the waiting room!
Hugs Julie – and there are times when I battle my kids as well! Hope it goes better for you!!
Definitely a bit of work to do this with many children — but it can be done! My biggest struggle was just listening, but I am getting better about it — and my children have let me know. 😉
Love this reminder: ways to combat that bad day (paraphrased)
One thing at a time.
Prioritize.
Avoid the frustrating (…for today).
Do something out of the ordinary.
Leave the house.
My additions for the whole family:
Stop and listen to/tell a joke or two… this works for my 9 yr old strong-willed daughter. (Scientific fact: Humor activates learning as well as relieves stress.)
Break for music or worship time.
Best reminder for me personally: You said, “We can plan all we like and if we don’t consider what the Lord wants for us we will be frustrated and upset more days than not. What do we do? We pray and we listen. Make that time with God each day, even if all you have time is to say, ‘Lord I give you my day.'”
Thank you for your wisdom. And your book “Secret Code Time” sounds great, would love to read it!
Hey, Michele – love, love, love your additions to the list! Remembering God is IN control it the key! Thanks for taking the time to stop by!