It seems we are always searching for the “magic pill”to
miraculously move our family into peaceful nirvana.

But the fact is, parenting and daily rhythm is a process;
a work in progress. You will never be “done” or “perfect”

O.K. Now the good news:
There are a few tips to help move you from exasperated to
centered. They are not magic, but they are not hard either.
Simple tools- if you use them.Choose one to start with,
then add more when you
see some success.

*Get up before your kids. Yes, you have heard me say this many times.
You have heard it elsewhere I am sure. The affect this will have on your day
can be immense. Taking those first early moments for yourself before hungry
mouths are begging for food can be a sanity saver. Try it, tomorrow if possible.

*Plan for the next day. Not a lengthy to-do list, but 2-3 main things you want
to accomplish. I find this really helps me with envision how the day should flow.
Put on the list only things you absolutely must do. Don’t worry if you think nothing
else will get done, fires always pop-up and this way you have some breathing room.

*Moment of Pause. Take a mindful moment sometime during your day to breathe.
We get so caught up in all the doing, we forget to step back and notice our being.
Take just a few minutes to look around and get your bearings can bring you back
on track to where you want to be.

*Quiet Time. For everyone in the household. It is a great rhythm to have
in the afternoons. The earlier you begin this the better. When nap time stops,
you can still have a quiet time looking through books or soft toys. As they get older,
it is a nice break from siblings and a chance for some reading and just being alone.
You take a break as well. Knit or read or look through a magazine, yoga.
Find something creative that re-charges you.

*Gauge the Day. I found I was was doing this automatically and it is a great skill.
Observe the energy of the day and make changes if necessary. So, if your kids have
been inside all morning and are starting to get wiggly, an outdoor break might be needed.
Or if things have crazy and you have been running, check the kids and see how they are “feel”.
They may be wound up and overstimulated and need down time. This is vital to avoid
meltdowns and out of control kiddos.

Any one of these tips can be tried and tweaked to your family and schedule.
So many times just a few small steps in the right the direction brings on the
confidence to keep moving forward.

Donna is the founder and CEO of The Waldorf Connection, an online resource that provides
workshops, courses, and coaching for homeschooling families all over the globe.
Donna wants to bring confidence, clarity and community to the homeschoolers who are seeking a
rhythmic, organized approach to their days.

As a homeschooling mother, entrepreneur, writer and coach, she knows the importance of daily balance
and is dedicated to helping others with this balance in their own lives. Donna is a certified Simplicity
Parenting Group Leader and studying Peace of Mind Parenting coach.

You can read more blog posts and information at:
http://thewaldorfconnection.com &
http://theparentingstudio.com