Autumn 2024
Figure out the rhythm of life and live in harmony with it. – Lao Tzu
Crafting and maintaining a rhythm is an art. It breathes with space and time, as a dynamic vessel for the activity of life. While each person has the same basic, irreducible needs to be met (meals, sleep & rest, play), how and when those needs are met will differ. Each family’s vessel needs a shape that reflects their unique life circumstances, and that continually changes shape in response to their changing circumstances as the children grow.
As crafters of home rhythms, we must feel empowered to do what is right for our children, our family.
In a recent article from the Today Show, we discovered a “conversation” that highlights a great example of this. The article is about a mother who started serving dinner immediately after her three children returned home from school and what a life changing practice it was for her family. She shared her experience on Tik Tok and it received over 2 million views with moms all over the country chiming in on how they do the same thing, how they love the idea, or why it wouldn’t work for their families. These moms are looking past social norms and how life is typically done, to find what works for their families. We might all take advantage of and appreciate this freedom.
I’ve certainly been inspired by this mama’s idea, and taking measure of my own family’s back to school rhythms to see if they could benefit from that dinner time switch.
If you are new to creating intentional & consistent rhythms for your family, below is a simple framework that I follow. Currently, my three sons are of school age, and both my husband and I work full time; however, this approach also worked when I was working in the home and our sons were all younger. My goal is to integrate our scheduled events and household tasks in a way that everyone is collaborating and everyone is benefiting from spaciousness that allows time for connection and joyful activity.
- Time frames are set:
When does school begin and end? What are the work day hours? The extracurriculars or monthly dinners with family? The recurring meetings? The must-be-protected date nights or social gatherings for self care?
- Anchors are set:
What time do we wake? Take naps (if we have littles)? Go go to bed? When are meals and when do we play? (Yes! This is an irreducible need so it’s an anchor)
- Our roles are set:
Who is transporting to each event? Who is in charge of laundry, bathroom cleaning, vacuuming, etc? Everyone above the age of eleven is independently making dinner at least one night a week, and those who don’t cook, clean the kitchen! Regardless of age, everyone takes part in the Good Work in a way that is appropriate for them.
Then, we plan when our responsibilities can be fulfilled, and make sure there is the spaciousness I referred to above. If there doesn’t seem like there is enough time for that, something shifts. For the sake of having a peaceful and joyful home, that space is sacred. So, if we need to re-evaluate how often floors are mopped, or how many activities outside of home and school are taking place, we do.
If you would like to learn more about rhythms for your home or program, we have many articles on our Blog on this very topic, as well as an on-demand course, Healthy Home Rhythms, to guide you through the process.
