It’s Wednesday morning, and we find ourselves running late as we jump into the car for school. The previous days were a chaotic mix of practices, games, and homework. Just last week was Thanksgiving, leaving our schedules quite disarrayed.
As we slam the car doors, I feel a surge of frustration building. I’ve been on edge all week. I had instructed my 12-year-old daughter to organize her cheer bag—three times. Yet, when it came time to leave, I found the uniform tossed carelessly on the floor, the bow haphazardly on top of the bag, and the shoes sitting innocently on the rack, just four feet away.
To top it off, there’s laundry that needs attending to. My 10-year-old son forgot to pack his lunch the night before, and in the morning rush, the hastily packed lunch was left behind on the counter.
I’m tempted to express my annoyance with phrases like “this is unacceptable” or “you’re being irresponsible.” However, I realize that my frustration should also reflect back on me. I am the captain of this ship. If my family is struggling, then I’m partly to blame for that too.
What I do next will impact the coming days, and I hope it sets a positive tone for the future. As we pull out of the driveway, I calmly suggest, “I think we need a midweek reset tonight.”
I avoid saying, “You guys can’t seem to get it together, so no TV or electronics.” Instead, I frame it positively: “Let’s take some time this evening to organize and prepare for tomorrow. We can set aside our screens and focus on making life a bit easier.”
My kids inquire, “Can we use the iPads to listen to music while we work?” Absolutely! On our drive, we discuss our plans for the evening. We will sort through our closets for clothes that don’t fit, donate toys we no longer use, tackle the laundry, complete homework, pack lunches, shower, and lay out clothes for the next day.
We’re not in trouble; we’re just a team that needs to practice smoother operations. The satisfaction from completing these tasks together will be rewarding.
When I pick up my son, he hops into the car, saying, “Mom, I’ve been thinking about our plan, and I’m not even upset about not using my iPad today.” I take this as a small victory. My daughter joins us, and we start discussing our schedule on the way home.
“Can we have some playtime before we dive into everything?” they ask. Of course! How about an hour of fun? No one feels like they’re in trouble; we’re just a unit working to solve a challenge.
The work session isn’t perfect. There are outbursts when the laundry takes longer than expected, and some reluctance about parting with certain items. We take breaks and negotiate, but we’re making progress.
By bedtime, we’ve completed our tasks. We even found time to bake brownies for fun. Everyone feels accomplished. My daughter says, “I think I’ll wake up early tomorrow and go for a run. Want to join me, Mom?” My son also sets his alarm early so he can enjoy a bigger breakfast.
Thursday morning arrives, and my daughter wakes me at 6:30 a.m., quite different from my usual routine of demanding they get up at 7:00 a.m. Together, we run a quick mile in the refreshing morning air. My son is up and ready with a big bowl of cereal and a cheerful demeanor. He even fed the cats!
We leave for school three minutes early, and everyone is calm and happy. During our commute, we discuss how being prepared reduces our morning stress. We reflect on how crucial our planning was, especially since we had two games and a long drive later that evening.
This #MidweekReset led to a much-needed harmony in our family life. I’m eager to make this a weekly tradition, and I encourage you to try it as well.
Tips for Implementing a Successful Midweek Reset:
- Frame it positively. Discuss it as a family activity that simplifies life.
- While electronics should be minimized, incorporate what works for your family. For us, listening to music enhances productivity.
- Set realistic goals. Don’t aim for everything at once; start small.
- Acknowledge your role. If the kids aren’t meeting expectations, it’s a shared responsibility.
- Celebrate your achievements. Encourage your children to recognize the benefits of being organized and how it impacts their mood.
Let’s make #MidweekReset a common phrase in our homes. Join me in taking a midweek pause to declutter and organize our lives. For more insights on family dynamics and preparation, check out this post and explore this resource for pregnancy and home insemination information.
For those interested in self-insemination options, consider visiting this site for expert advice.
Summary:
The introduction of a dedicated day for resetting family priorities significantly improved our home dynamics. By focusing on organizing, planning, and teamwork, we transformed stress-filled evenings into productive and enjoyable experiences. Regularly implementing these resets can lead to a more harmonious household.