Dear Mrs. MommyPants,
How do you stay focused with all the hats we wear like: keeping the house clean, homeschooling, cooking decent meals, looking presentable, being a wife and serving the community or at church?
Sincerely,
FourUnderFoot
Dear FourUnderFoot,
Were we supposed to stay focused? Yikes, I must be doing something wrong! Let’s see, I think the most important thing to do is to not expect perfection. We have a lot of hats to wear and some days some hats will look disheveled. There is no way around that. I will take each item and see if I can address it independently.
Keeping the house clean----As long as you have kids you have helpers. Use them. If you have littles, you will just have to accept the fact that your house will not be entered into the House Beautiful contest. The best thing to do is to do something little each day. That way you will feel like you have accomplished something.
Homeschooling----Be a planner. Have a list. If you can cross something off that list you will feel successful.
Cooking decent meals----Being Martha Stewart is not realistic. Again the key is to plan. I little planning goes a long way. Plan out your menus each week or a month at a time. Your meals do not have to come out of Gourmet Magazine. Have a few of your family's favorites and rotate them.
Looking Presentable----I know this can be hard for some Moms, but I make a point to shower and dress everyday. I feel so much better when I do. If I hang out in jammies or sweats all day I feel frumpy and unmotivated. If I am dressed with a little makeup on I want to work and accomplish things.
Being a wife----This may be the hardest thing for a stay at home, homeschooling mom to do but it is the most important in my opinion. Keeping your spouse happy in all areas of your relationship goes a long way in how peaceful the home is. The children feel more secure and confident. Some simple things to do are greet your spouse at the door with a big hug and a kiss. Find out what is important to him. Does he prefer a hot meal when he gets home? Is he most comfortable with the house picked up. Some may care, others may not, but taking a few simple steps can go a long way.
Serving the community and church----This to me is something that should be considered last on the priority list. Not because it isn't important, but because there is a season for everything and lets face it moms, you are busy and this may not be a season for a lot of volunteering. Discussing with your spouse before making any volunteer commitments is very important. They will have such great insights as to what you can handle and handle well. If you get their blessing then go for it, but don't be afraid to back out if you find it is too much or your family is suffering.
Well, that's all for now Moms. Keep the questions coming.
Sincerely,
Mrs. MommyPants
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