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How's your family rhythm?

When things feel like they are going to hell in a hand basket, it might feel like it is all about Johnny's 10th tantrum for today, I will bet you it isn't.  Things don't happen in a vacuum.  Johnny's tantrum is likely the after effect of something else. If things are truly going to hell in a hand basket then I bet there are a lot of things that feel off.   I like to do a little check in and really take a look at how our family rhythm is going.

Family rhythm?  What in the heck is that? 

Rhythm is often confused with schedule, and while they can look similar, rhythm is a bit different.  Rhythm flows like a river.  It flows around stones and boulders and might even meet a delta, but it flows.  Schedule is more like something that floats down that river.  If you don't pay attention to the bends in the river then the schedule can feel like it is screeching to a giant halt and everything is just plain off.  Rhythm has to be tended and if it isn't then everyone feels it, from the smallest child having a tantrum to Dad stomping around hangry.

When my rhythm river feels dammed up, I like to ask myself a few questions.  How is everyone's sleep? What have we been eating? As in... have we eaten out too much, have I allowed too many treats? Do I need to get my menu sorted? When was the last time I had ten minutes alone? Time in the potty does NOT count.  How are we doing at tending our spiritual life?  When were Erik and I out on a date ALONE last? When was the last time we truly connected? Are we doing too much? Too many activities?

We put together a graphic to help - before you flip your lid next time, check in first. Join us for our live video on this topic in our Peaceful Foundations Facebook group. 


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