Sometimes I have a tendency to over think things. I can make things a bit more complicated than they should be. I sometimes find myself worrying over small things or worrying about things that are out of my control.
I have a family schedule posted on our refrigerator. (yes, I'm that much of a control freak) Sad isn't it? Or is it? Like I've mentioned before, schedules comfort me. I like knowing what to expect for the day.
Today my husband unintentionally reminded me that life and kids doesn't have to be so planned and organized. Oh, how I love that man!
It was craft time with the kids and Tyler needed to nurse. Hubs jumped in and offered to assist with the craft. I had planned to create designs with a large piece of cardboard, glue, salt, and food coloring. Long story short, things weren't going as smooth as they should have and we ended up ditching the project. Instead of having a planned activity, he just let the kids paint on the cardboard. They spent just as much time painting and creating whatever they wanted as they would have working on our craft project. I couldn't help but notice how content they were and how relaxed Hubs seemed to be.
Hubs constantly finds ways to get things done while watching the kids. This is something I struggle with. He just takes them wherever he needs to be and lets them loose. He's more of an open play type and I'm definitely a structured play type.
What type are you?
Regardless, the kids are getting both worlds and I am comforted by that. It makes me feel like together as a team, Hubs and I are doing things right.
I have my way and he has his. As long as we continue to integrate each other's ideas and have respect for each other, everything will work out fine.
I've been freaking out a little bit about Hubby returning to work next week. I haven't been left alone with all three of the kids yet. He is confident that I will do fine. I can't say I feel the same way. I'm really nervous about it.
I just have to keep in mind that leaving the kids to their own creative free play might be my only option at certain times, and that's okay.
Wish me luck!
Oh, and just in case you are curious... here is our family schedule:
08:00 Wake up
08:30 Breakfast
09:00 TV / Electronics
10:00 Snack
10:30 Open play
11:00 Arts and Crafts
11:30 Open play
12:00 Lunch
12:30 Storytime
13:00 Nap
15:00 Wake up
15:30 Snack
16:00 TV / Electronics
17:00 Cooking / Baking (I usually let the kids assist in helping with dinner or making dessert)
17:30 Dinner
18:00 Family Time (kid's choice of games, puzzles, coloring, etc.)
19:00 Snack
19:30 Bathtime
20:00 Storytime
20:30 Bedtime
Kyle and I are the same way except opposite roles. It works pretty well because the kids are always surprising us. "Dad taught me" this; "Mom taught me" that. It's cool. Honestly, there is plenty of eye-rolling going on when we're all doing things together, but it's all in good fun. <3 By the way, you'll do awesome with all 3. You're a great mom. Are you a little uptight with the planning? Yes. Has that always made me feel comfortable and secure when under your charge? Yes! Keep up the good work.
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