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.

Comments

United We Stand, Divided We Fall

You’ve probably heard the phrase “United we stand, divided we fall,” somewhere, at some time in your life. That phrase couldn’t be truer than at home. The things that divide can be pervasive, sometimes subtle and require mindfulness and being present to rise above it. We can shield ourselves and our families from most of these things through finding balance. Through our work, we have met couples whose lives seem to be drudgery, they feel like they are exhausted butlers for little people. Some couples may admit that what they felt for each other and about themselves is a fleeting memory as they grind away at one busy day after another. We often hear about how challenging finding the right work/life balance can be. We can’t spend our attention fully in one place without it waning somewhere else. It’s like those Mario games where when you look at the ghost it stays still but when you look away it creeps towards you. When things start to go off kilter, we can very much ask our...

Parents Who THRIVE becomes Peaceful Foundations

If you've followed us with any consistency over the last few years outside of Waldorf Essentials, then you might have noticed that we have been scattered at best with putting together a cohesive space for our marriage & parent coaching. That ends now. With the helps of some amazing business coaches, we are finally seeing our love for helping families become a reality as we do a bit a shuffling, a little re-branding and a LOT of reaching out to families. You can find us on social media on the links above. You can also sign up for our email list on the link above. We are dedicated to bringing you the best possible parenting and partnering advice that you can actually use... like TODAY. We don't work in theory.... we work in reality! Share us with your friends that can use a little boost and thank you for sticking with us! Erik & Melisa

What your doula didn't tell you & your mother couldn't get you to hear...

I need you. I need you both. I need you to both love each other and like each other. I need you to show me how to love my future mate. I need you to show me how I should treat my friends. I need you to show me what language is okay. I need you to put me to bed early. I need you to go to bed early so you are ready to see me in the morning. I need you to be in charge. I need you to tell me no sometimes, even when I get mad. I gain my security in knowing what will happen tomorrow, talk to me. I like to do the same things over and over. I like to stay home and go for walks and meet people in our neighborhood. I like to be fed well, even when I complain. I really like to help you cook and bake. I need hugs, a lot. When I am sad and when I am happy. You need hugs too. I need you to be present with me. Can you please put away your phone and talk to me? Do you know that I will be grown before you know it and I want to ha...

Peaceful Foundations

Search This Blog