I found chapter four to have some good practical ideas about routines to put in place that help create simplicity.
the idea of previewing and planning the week as a family seems to be a good way to make sure all family members are on the same page. i think it's easy as adults to just make a plan and put it into action, and forget that involving our children in the creation of the plan helps them feel more in control of their own lives, and also makes them feel that they have an important role in the family structure. while we discuss our upcoming week over dinner on Sunday, and have a calendar that things are written on in our kitchen, i would like to create something visual for Ben and eventually Sophie to see - something with pictures/words right now, and the just words in the future when they're both reading. i think helping them know what to expect is good for transitions and avoiding some (of course not all!) meltdowns.
in terms of bedtime, while this is a pretty smooth time of evening for us in terms of routine, i do like the suggestions of laying out clothes the night before. this is particularly helpful the days that we are all leaving the house in the morning for work/school. we sometimes preview the following day, but not consistently during the time we're talking at bedtime, so this is something i'd like to see happen more consistently.
the questions about what rhythms do you aleady have established, and what areas do you feel need a rhythm were both really good, thoughtful ones, and i'm still thinking on them - what about for both of you?
in terms of dinner, we have several routines that are working. we say grace at the beginning, but i also like the idea of a moment of quiet as a pressure valve... so often it can be a little chaotic right at the moment of getting the food on the table (at least in our house right now, although i imagine it won't always be this way as the kids get a bit older). we go around the table and ask each family member what the best part of their day was, and the hardest part... i can tell this is something Ben looks forward to asking, and answering. we've also started saying something from the day we're each thankful for, which i really look forward to hearing. i like the idea of involving children in making the meal - while this does happen sometimes at our house, it doesn't happen as often as i'd like. we are all involved in the cleanup of the meal, though, which makes it less of a chore, i think.
the ideas about simplifying food were interesting to read... the idea of not purchasing food that's to entertain - i wonder if this is ever okay? i'm not sure about the concept of a predictable menu... while i am definately a menu planner (i like to plan the menu a month at a time), i'm not sure if i'd feel like a predictable menu in terms of how it was described in the book would feel to limiting to me as the main cook in our home?
the concept of quiet time after naps are gone as a pressure valve... while this happens sometimes in our house, i'd like to see it happen on a regular basis. one thing that has helped with having Ben spend time in his room is books on CD. i'd like this time to be at least 45 minutes, but it's something we need to work on more consistently and establish a routine for.
looking forward to hearing both your thoughts on this chapter!
Simplicity Parenting
discussion
the idea of previewing and planning the week as a family seems to be a good way to make sure all family members are on the same page. i think it's easy as adults to just make a plan and put it into action, and forget that involving our children in the creation of the plan helps them feel more in control of their own lives, and also makes them feel that they have an important role in the family structure. while we discuss our upcoming week over dinner on Sunday, and have a calendar that things are written on in our kitchen, i would like to create something visual for Ben and eventually Sophie to see - something with pictures/words right now, and the just words in the future when they're both reading. i think helping them know what to expect is good for transitions and avoiding some (of course not all!) meltdowns.
in terms of bedtime, while this is a pretty smooth time of evening for us in terms of routine, i do like the suggestions of laying out clothes the night before. this is particularly helpful the days that we are all leaving the house in the morning for work/school. we sometimes preview the following day, but not consistently during the time we're talking at bedtime, so this is something i'd like to see happen more consistently.
the questions about what rhythms do you aleady have established, and what areas do you feel need a rhythm were both really good, thoughtful ones, and i'm still thinking on them - what about for both of you?
in terms of dinner, we have several routines that are working. we say grace at the beginning, but i also like the idea of a moment of quiet as a pressure valve... so often it can be a little chaotic right at the moment of getting the food on the table (at least in our house right now, although i imagine it won't always be this way as the kids get a bit older). we go around the table and ask each family member what the best part of their day was, and the hardest part... i can tell this is something Ben looks forward to asking, and answering. we've also started saying something from the day we're each thankful for, which i really look forward to hearing. i like the idea of involving children in making the meal - while this does happen sometimes at our house, it doesn't happen as often as i'd like. we are all involved in the cleanup of the meal, though, which makes it less of a chore, i think.
the ideas about simplifying food were interesting to read... the idea of not purchasing food that's to entertain - i wonder if this is ever okay? i'm not sure about the concept of a predictable menu... while i am definately a menu planner (i like to plan the menu a month at a time), i'm not sure if i'd feel like a predictable menu in terms of how it was described in the book would feel to limiting to me as the main cook in our home?
the concept of quiet time after naps are gone as a pressure valve... while this happens sometimes in our house, i'd like to see it happen on a regular basis. one thing that has helped with having Ben spend time in his room is books on CD. i'd like this time to be at least 45 minutes, but it's something we need to work on more consistently and establish a routine for.
looking forward to hearing both your thoughts on this chapter!