I’m not sure my reply will be full of help, but it is intended to encourage you and maybe offer a starting point. I’ve read the thread. So, I may be making suggestions for others, too, not just specifically for you, Dear Suzukimom.
On the homefront, start with small, but obvious changes. For instance, institute a “nothing gets done until all beds are made” rule. That may sound silly, but even if the rest of the room is a mess, a made bed begins to make the room look better. If done daily as a requirement before breakfast can be eaten (or, cooked,) the bedrooms will have a better appearance every day. In a few short weeks, that will have become a habit. Think of the one thing that begins to make each of the other rooms begin to take shape and make those mandatory for lunch, etc.
I’d also work on getting closer to a fairly well maintained master bedroom. This will act as your retreat, even though it may usually mean picking up after Hubby. He will appreciate it, and maybe some day even pick up after himself from time to time just to keep it nice for you, too. Keep another spot in the home peaceful for him after work. Yes, it seems we should get a break when our husbands come home, but honestly, it may not happen until the kids are grown and gone. Just remember that you will have your retreat to visit off and on during the day if only to put away a load of clothes, but the prettiness of order there will make you smile and give you a glimpse of the future. 🙂
Praise your children for each wonderful help they offer! The more hugs they receive and the more attention that is paid to beautiful, wonderful helpfulness, the more they will demonstrate these things. They want hugs and smiles and encouragement and guidance. You feel overwhelmed. So do they. If you have no idea where to start, imagine how they feel.
On outside activities… If something isn’t working for your family, except to bring distraction and frustration, lay it aside for a time. Reevaluate why the activity was being pursued in the first place. Child’s interest versus parental goal? Parental interest versus child’s goal? Is there something else that would be a better fit AFTER more important needs & goals are attained?
Focus on the positives! Remind them of their strengths in educational pursuits. If you live in a state that doesn’t require long lists of subjects, pull back to the 3 R’s for a time. Believe me, if you are having to help older students read their assignments or do their math, you will be sorry you compounded their struggles by not helping them solidify these foundational subjects. Their future educational independence depends on being able to read, write, and “cypher.”
I am by no means an expert in this area. I just know that when I have been close to consistency during various seasons, our home has been more peaceful, I have been happier, my husband has rested better, our children have enjoyed learning, and we haven’t felt as burdened. I am working toward this again. Part of that has been by changing learning resources. But, mostly it has been through prayer, getting up earlier, and continuing to move throughout the day (either physically moving to get something done, or mentally through decision making.)
It is hard to redirect habits, but it’s worth it. Changing behavior isn’t easy. I think God wants us to recognize that in ourselves in order to realize our need for Our Savior. We usually see our husband’s/children’s bad habits, but justify our own. 🙁 At least that’s the case with me. But, when I’m honest, the kids are following my lead, or just pushing the envelope as far as what my lack of discipline will also allow them to NOT do.
I’m thinking this is more of a pep talk to self situation. Heh. I better get moving, or it will end as a sermon to self with little of the day left for me to change toward good habits.
Blessings,
Becca<><