Without a proper schedule painting will turn into swimmingwhich then becomes body art.
This has been a challenging week and one that has made me rethink how I perceive myself and how much parenthood has changed me.
We started this week with no daycare scheduled, no art classes, no outings or friends visiting. A free form, no expectations week to fill with whatever we feel like doing that day. We wake up when we wake up, watch a program or have breakfast, depending on our mood, leave the house or stay in, ate and napped whenever and whatever we decided. Sounds like an idyllic summer week, right? Ugh, no.
I've realized that this kind of unscheduled time is really a set up to being "out of control" and leaves me feeling vaguely anxious and miserable rather than relaxed and happy. Despite the fact that I think of myself as a laid back, low maintenance kind of person, I have come to realize I need expectations in order to get motivated. Since these little people came into my life (and especially since adding a third) I've changed into someone that thrives on structure, lists, schedules and routines. I can't get anything done if there isn't anything to do.
I know lots of people will think that an overly scheduled child will be stressed out or overstimulated, but that's not what I mean. My kids have daily naps and quiet time, it's just scheduled into their day. And we need that schedule, I've got to know what's coming next, otherwise everything is just a mess. Perhaps its because I'm too laid back and easy going. If I don't have something driving me, we get nowhere. And these little people are going places.
So look for a planned activities schedule full of sports, preschools, homeschooling and weekly play dates coming soon. Just one more week of crazy do-nothing summer to muddle through...
5 comments:
That's totally how we are here too, Julie. Which is parly why bed rest for Mommy is so miserable for everyone. :)
I'm so looking forward to school starting, so we can get into a regular rhythm. The summer hasn't been too bad, we've been busy enough...but we like the regularity of the school year, too.
They are gorgeous!!! I understand what you are saying. My kids thrive on routine and schedule that is why the craziness of all the traveling we did was really hard (which I am sure you understand as well). We made the most of it, but late dinners, even later bedtimes, and often times early wake-up calls really got the best of everyone!!o
I'm with you - we have to have structure to our day or NO ONE is happy!
I think these may be 2 of my favorite pictures you've EVER had on your blog. If only a paint covered nakey JP were in there as well. :)
About your schedule, I totally understand what you're saying. I like a good mix of lazy days and active, busy days. But regardless of what kind of day it is, there has to be SOME structure or else no one is happy.
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