In the chaos of home schooling and life, it's easy for days (if not weeks) to go by without really connecting with them on an individual level. This is also complicated by the fact that the four boys all share one room- which means that one-on-one conversations can't really happen.
So, in an effort to put more structure into my days- I've re-instituted 'mummy time'. I originally got the idea from a book called Large Family Logistics by Kim Brenneman (a book I highly recommend!). Kim is a home schooling mom of 9, so she knows what she's talking about!
From Monday through Friday, each child gets their day- like a special helper. One aspect of it is that I try to give them at least 1/2 hour during the day for only me and them to do something of their choosing. Then, at night (if they want), they can sleep by themselves in the tv/guest room where we can have a private chat about whatever they want.
Today was 'mummy time' for my oldest, Elijah. He's a pretty amazing (almost) young man- a little kid at heart in a nearly man-size body (he's almost thirteen, you know- like in 10 more months!). He's my guinea pig in this parenting gig. Tonight he asked if there was a parenting manual. When I told him 'no' (at least not anything other than the bible), he said that he'd better get working on learning how to do it then!
At bit about Elijah: he absolutely LOVES Lego and is constantly trying to create stop-motion animation films with Lego. He is a voracious reader, great at making duct-tape weapons, loves listening to music and is currently learning how to play the violin.
We have some of the most interesting conversations. The depth at which he ponders things never ceases to amaze me and I constantly find myself asking God to give me the right words to say to him to encourage him on in his life and faith journeys instead of nit-picking at all the bad habits he's picked up from me. He REALLY has an amazing heart for others and a genuine desire to love and follow God.
I know that God has great plans for all of my kids and each day I pray that His love will cover over the multitude of my sins and keep them on the straight and narrow path that leads to life, but there's something special about your first born that none of the rest can compete with. They're the one that started you on this parenthood journey and forever ruined you for the ordinary (and I really mean that in a good way!).
Tonight I delight in and cherish the blessing that is my son, Elijah.
Keeping it real, by the grace of God...
So, in an effort to put more structure into my days- I've re-instituted 'mummy time'. I originally got the idea from a book called Large Family Logistics by Kim Brenneman (a book I highly recommend!). Kim is a home schooling mom of 9, so she knows what she's talking about!
From Monday through Friday, each child gets their day- like a special helper. One aspect of it is that I try to give them at least 1/2 hour during the day for only me and them to do something of their choosing. Then, at night (if they want), they can sleep by themselves in the tv/guest room where we can have a private chat about whatever they want.
Today was 'mummy time' for my oldest, Elijah. He's a pretty amazing (almost) young man- a little kid at heart in a nearly man-size body (he's almost thirteen, you know- like in 10 more months!). He's my guinea pig in this parenting gig. Tonight he asked if there was a parenting manual. When I told him 'no' (at least not anything other than the bible), he said that he'd better get working on learning how to do it then!
At bit about Elijah: he absolutely LOVES Lego and is constantly trying to create stop-motion animation films with Lego. He is a voracious reader, great at making duct-tape weapons, loves listening to music and is currently learning how to play the violin.
We have some of the most interesting conversations. The depth at which he ponders things never ceases to amaze me and I constantly find myself asking God to give me the right words to say to him to encourage him on in his life and faith journeys instead of nit-picking at all the bad habits he's picked up from me. He REALLY has an amazing heart for others and a genuine desire to love and follow God.
I know that God has great plans for all of my kids and each day I pray that His love will cover over the multitude of my sins and keep them on the straight and narrow path that leads to life, but there's something special about your first born that none of the rest can compete with. They're the one that started you on this parenthood journey and forever ruined you for the ordinary (and I really mean that in a good way!).
Tonight I delight in and cherish the blessing that is my son, Elijah.
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| The only one of my kids to have curly hair! |
Keeping it real, by the grace of God...
Tammy
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