In continuing on my young mother’s series, Elder Ballard’s second point to mothers in “Daughters of God” was the importance of not over-scheduling your family. He took it a step farther to emphasize the importance of playing together with your children. These are important points that can help make your life less stressful
As a brand new mom, I often wondered why the moms with older (and more) children often did not make it to playgroup. Since I have had more children and one start school, I don’t wonder anymore. I often feel that we are stretched too thin, and I really am not trying to do very much. But my husband is constantly telling me that I do not have to do the things I feel I should for the kids.
It is important to take a step back and look at how each activity we choose for a member of the family is both benefiting the family and detracting from the importance of family. It is important to find a good balance. In a time when people are constantly on the move are we sacrificing the only peaceful moments that we have so that we can give our children more than they really need? Every family will have a different answer to this question. It is important to find the balance for your family.
Also it is important to spend time interacting and having fun with your children. Once you choose to cut back on the extra activities, you should do things to help your family grow closer. There is something to be said for unscripted family time together. You can set aside time each day to spend time with your entire family or you can focus on certain children each day. Taking the time to interact with your children each day in a positive way can help you form the ties you’ll need, as they grow older. It can also bring the joyful moments back into parenting.
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