I’m beginning to realize that motherhood dictates my life.  My schedule and wants are second.  This is OK, it’s a reality.  There have been many articles written on kids being over-scheduled.  How about the effects on over-scheduled Moms, it has the same effect…BURNOUT.  Many women/mothers work, go to school, support husbands in demanding occupations or are left for long periods of time being single parents, plus taking care of health, home and kids.  By the time we all put appointments on our calendars it can become overwhelming and over-scheduled.  So, how do we fulfill our personal needs, give our children experiences, foster a sense of independence and creativity while not over-scheduling ourselves, children or family?

Here a few personal reflections on how I try to seek balance while avoiding complete Burnout….

1. Prioritize.  Evaluate where you spend a lot of time.  Is this working?  If not, change.  A wise man once said, ”As we consider various choices, we should remember that it is not enough that something is good. Other choices are better, and still others are best. Even though a particular choice is more costly, its far greater value may make it the best choice of all.”

2. Be Realistic.  We all know what triggers stress in our self, children and families.  So, listen.  If it is too much for Mom, it is probably too much for the children.

3.  Be honest.  Know your limitations and express them.  There is no harm in telling someone “No” or, “I can’t”  Ultimately, family comes first.

4.  Communicate.  Communication is key not only with your spouse, children, but as a family.  We have tried both ways…trying to do it all and learning that we have to limit each child to one activity so that none of us are over-scheduled.

5.  Be creative.  I have learned that things that bring me great joy can be combined with already scheduled activities.  If I’m already at my son’s soccer practice and they need volunteers, why not volunteer.  I’m teaching my other children to serve, building memories, and teaching my children about the value of creatively using time.

I loved this article written in a medical journal about over-scheduled children.  I think we can also apply it to parents.  It reminds us all to re-evaluate our good intentions and to slow down.  Schedule time to do nothing.  Schedule Pajama days.  Explore and create.

Do you feel over-scheduled as a mother and what do you do to avoid it?

As children head back to school, they are at an increased risk for getting sick. Here’s a quick list to help you tell if your child needs a sick day or is okay to head into the classroom:

• Keep your child home if he has a heavy cough accompanied by a steady stream of mucus.
• Keep your child home if he has an unexplained rash, which may be the first symptom of measles or chickenpox.
• Keep your child home from school if stomach pain is accompanied by diarrhea or fever.
• A child who is vomiting should be kept home.
• A fever of 100 degrees or less is generally not cause for concern. If a fever above 100 is combined with a sore throat or a rash, the child should be kept home because this could indicate a more serious illness.
• Learn the rules of your child’s school about when a sick child must stay at home.

These cutie boys and friends recently went on a fun outing.

3 Moms +

3 Tweens=

A Fabulous Night out!!

We took them out to dinner at Red Robin and to a book club at Barnes and Noble.  As I have said earlier, my tween is a huge fan of the Magic Tree House book series.

Barnes and Noble hosted a book club for book # 6, Afternoon on the Amazon. They talked a little bit about the book and then made a craft that coordinated with the book.  Lincoln loved the craft that they made and loved that he was surrounded by lots of other kids who also loved the same books that he does.  I think Barnes and Noble also has a book club for the American Girl books.  I have said many times before that I want my children to love reading.  I think the most educated and well rounded people are those who read often.  I wish I could say that I am a more avid reader, but it just isn’t my season for that.

When I attended the open house for my tween’s school, I was so happy to see the great variety of books his teacher had in the classroom available for my son.  She had each book series in a different labeled basket.  I can imagine all those fabulous books he will be reading in her classroom.

Moral of the story…Barnes and Noble ROCKS!!  I never get enough time there, usually spend too much money, but always come away from there with a smile on my face!!

What are some activities you do to keep your tween excited about reading?

I enjoyed reading fellow blogger Heidi Russell’s post about her Florida Gators. With college football season right around the corner, it made me think of our own household and our love of The Ohio State Buckeyes. My husband and I like to think our boys will follow in our footsteps and become alumni one day. Even more, we like to dream of them running onto the field at the Horseshoe as players. It may be a few years off, but we like to think it is in the realm of possibility

Even our dogs are Buckeye Fans....her vet made sure she had an OSU cast

Up until this past week, the boys had never played football. I am not ready to let them play tackle and they never showed much interest out in the yard…they would still rather ride bikes and build forts. As of last Monday, things changed and I think we may actually have two players on our hands.

I signed the boys up for flag football and they LOVE it! They had their first practice and both came home wanting to go back the next day. I realize it is not the same version the Buckeyes play but they can learn the rules, positions, ins and outs of the game and I don’t need to worry about my 50lb boy getting mowed down by a kid with an extra twenty pounds…it’s a win win for all of us.

We have two seasons ahead in our house now…..the Buckeyes start September 2nd on their way to an 8th national championship and our boys start Sept 11th with their Bengal teammates. I am not sure if they will go undefeated (or win any games for that matter), but I hope they have fun and learn a love for the game..playing or watching

Do you have a favorite sports team in your house? Favorite sport?

My tweens first Open House for 1st Grade, 2007

The day has arrived where children will be discovering who their teachers are and what class they have been assigned to.  They will meet the teacher, discover who their classmates will be for the next year and see their classrooms.  This is not only a big day for children, but for families.  It is the reality that our children are going back to school within days.  Family schedules are changing, summer has officially ended and it is the milestone of the many changes our tweens and children will be facing in the upcoming year.  So, how to we make this a positive experience?

1. Be on time and plan accordingly to give your tween and other children ample time to ask questions, explore their new environment and meet their teacher.  For tweens, it’s especially important to allow time to say Hi to former friends and or former teachers.

2.  Attend as a family if possible.  Fathers often do not get to be as involved with their tweens’ and childrens’ education so events like Open House are great for letting Dad get a taste of the school, teachers, etc.

3. Take a picture of your tweens desk and classroom and child with their teacher.  Many changes happen during the school year and it is often great to remind them pictorially how they have changed.

4.  Make sure that any questions you have are answered.  Teachers are often bombarded with parents and allowing time for lulls in classrooms during the Open House can ensure that you get a feel for the school and get your answers.

5.  Be patient.  Use the time the teacher is busy with others to talk with your tween about how they are feeling.  Are they nervous?  What do they like about their new classroom?  What are they most looking forward to on their schedule?

6.  Remember we are dealing with tweens….let them lead the situation a little more than is comfortable for us.  They don’t want to appear as a “baby” in front of their peers.

7.  Have fun and celebrate as a family afterward.  Make this a reason to have fun, create memories and start this school year off on a positive note!

How do you handle teacher meet-n-greets and open houses?  Any advice?