Being a homemaker, homeschool mom, pastor’s wife, and content creator means my schedule is packed. I’ve had to learn that while thriving through life’s chaos is admirable, it is also exhausting. I won’t ever be perfect, and that’s okay. The key to managing everything is balance, and balance comes from intentionality, prayer, and delegation.
I keep lists and calendars to stay on track. My phone helps me remember birthdays, anniversaries, and prayer requests, but I also use paper calendars for blogging, home budgeting, and my kids’ school schedules. Without these tools, life would be complete chaos. One of the biggest ways I’ve learned to manage the chaos is through my 4-week cleaning schedule, which helps me and my kids stay organized and avoid being overwhelmed.
The reality is, we can’t pour from an empty cup. Loving our families means not just managing a household but creating meaningful moments of connection. As Psalm 127:3 reminds us, “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.” It is our responsibility to nurture them with love, patience, and discipline.
Thriving Through Communication and Connection
1. Communication is Key
Your children don’t have to be your best friends, but they should always know they can come to you with their worries and joys. Proverbs 18:13 reminds us, “To answer before listening—that is folly and shame.” Truly listening to our children builds trust and helps them feel valued.
2. Listen with Intent
When your child speaks, pause and listen. Even the smallest details matter to them. The more we listen now, the more they will trust us with the bigger things later. I have seen this firsthand with my daughter, who is now a teenager. She comes to me frequently with issues, and I make it a priority to listen—without judging or interrupting. I wait until she is finished before giving a response, ensuring that my words are thoughtful and right.
And then there’s my son. My little ball of energy, who loves to be in the kitchen just as much as he loves slinging his sticks. He is always eager to help, whether it’s making biscuits or peeling boiled eggs (which, let’s be real, he mostly crushes). But I’ve realized something—those moments when he excitedly tells me about his latest creation or newfound interest? They matter just as much. If I don’t take the time to listen now, will he feel comfortable talking to me when the bigger issues come along?
Sometimes God gives you a child that requires a lot of your attention because He wants you to slow down. Oh, how true this is. It was so eye-opening for me. My son is just like that. He is always wanting my attention, wanting to be at my side, wanting me to play with him, etc. I love him to pieces, and it breaks my heart when I have to actually do something and break it to him that mommy is too busy at the moment. He’s more understanding now, but I cherish every moment. I don’t know when will be the last moment I can pick him up or hold him in my lap. Nighttime snuggles are the best, and when he can’t have them, he misses me all the more.
Prayer is key in raising a family. We need God to lead us in every situation. Before I respond to my daughter’s concerns, or before I give my son advice on why eating flour straight from the bag is a bad idea, I often pray for wisdom. James 1:5 reminds us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” Seeking God’s guidance ensures that we are speaking with grace and truth, providing the love and support our children need.
3. Discipline with Love
Discipline is necessary, but it should always be done in love. In our home, privileges come after responsibilities. For example, our kids get limited device time, and only after their chores and schoolwork are done. Proverbs 22:6 tells us, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Boundaries and structure help children develop responsibility and self-discipline.
4. Prioritize Family Dinners
We eat dinner at home often, and our children have come to love it. As they’ve gotten more involved in cooking, they appreciate home-cooked meals more. One way to encourage family dinners is by incorporating simple, budget-friendly meals like those found in 15 Frugal Family Meals. Gathering around the table fosters deeper conversations and stronger connections.
Thriving Despite Perfectionism
I tend to be a perfectionist, but I’ve had to accept that I can only do my best each day. Perfection isn’t the goal—faithfulness is. God’s mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23), which means each day is another opportunity to love, learn, and grow.
If you find yourself overwhelmed, take a step back. Pray. Seek wisdom. Delegate. Simplify where you can. God never intended for us to carry everything alone. As Exodus 18:18 says, “You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone.”
At the end of the day, it’s not about perfection—it’s about making space for what truly matters: faith, family, and love. Remember, I’m always praying for you, even if I don’t know who you are!
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