Tips for Survival when you’re outnumbered
When the children outnumber you, it is easy to feel bombarded by the constant requests, whines, pleas, needs, and wants of the little blessings. As a mother of four, I pray and ask God for the much needed guidance and strength for each new day. I will share with you some of the tips and ideas God has given me to help with my family.
First, and most important, is Prayer. Prayer is essential to any Christians survival. I Thessalonians 5:17 says, “Pray without ceasing.” Make time for prayer and Bible study. My personal time with God is precious and much needed. I usually get up in the early morning hours (5am) before everyone else and pray. This gives me time to focus on God and the day ahead. It also gives me a chance to ask for the daily strength and guidance needed to manage four beautiful blessings. Choose a time to pray, it can be morning, midday, or before bed, as long as the time is made.
Good time management. A schedule is a necessity for me. Mine is not a very rigid schedule, but more of a skeleton with some room for flexibility. Some blocks of time do not change, like lunch time, nap time, snack time and bedtime. The times in between are flexible. Sometimes we will have traditional school time, where the children sit and I teach. Other times we may take virtual field trips or a trip to the library. I find that if they are kept busy, it reduces their plundering activity.
Chore and behavior charts are a great tool. I use a chart to help the children learn the behaviors that are important to us and are very helpful when you have multiples (i.e. cleaning up after yourself, making up your bed, always being honest, no temper tantrums or whining, etc.). Sometimes a tantrum or unnecessary whining is completely avoided with just the reminder of losing a star on the chart. This also helps you not have to do everything. They can clear their dishes off of the table or help you load the dishwasher. They can also pick up their toys and clothes or put stray papers in the trash. Even making up their beds, it will not look like your bed, but they feel proud and it helps them develop a good habit. The kids can be rewarded weekly with small treats like reading an extra book at night or stickers. I give a big monthly prize like a trip to Chuckie Cheese. Also just having the chart in an area where others can see is it’s own reward. The children usually show people the stars they have earned. These can be helpful and you can use them for your own custom ideas.
Physical recreation is important. Turn on some music and jump around awhile with the children. My daughters like to pull out the exercise DVDs and do them with me. If you are home all day with them, it can be easy to forget to exercise/play. Even once you get home from work, you may want to rest, but the little blessings may need some recreation. When I find myself saying stop running in the house too many times, I realize it is time for some physical activity. Play Simon Says, go for a walk around the neighborhood, play outside in the yard. Schedule in some time for recreation. Be creative and get those hearts racing.
Use any and every opportunity for teaching and learning. It is important that children see you can learn all the time. It helps me feel better if I don’t get that traditional sit down and teach to them time. I know that they have learned something and I do not feel as guilty for not “teaching” them today. Make a lesson out of cooking or sorting the laundry. Children love it because they are curious about everything. It also helps to keep them busy, while you are getting some work done.
Finally, pray some more. Psalm 121 lets us know that God is our help and we should keep him close. When we keep him close, our protection is near and can be found when needed. God is always aware and He knows what is going on in our lives. He will keep you, when you keep Him close (at your right hand). We can keep God close to us when we pray and know He is always there. He will guide you in doing what is best for your family.
