Today, our first giveaway for Simplicity Parenting readers – a daily rhythm chart, just in time for those new fall routines which are (shhhh!) sneaking up on all of us.
I have Simplicity Parenting to thank for the inspiration behind this idea, as it was this book which convinced me and motivated me to get my own daily routine in order – not just for organization’s sake, but for the big dreams this book planted in me for my children and our family.
As a musician myself, I loved the way Kim John Payne related rhythm in family to rhythm in music. He points out that, without some intentionality, our family’s “song” (which is all my kids know!) can quickly become random, discordant, or, at best, improvisation. Our society is fast-paced, and “busyness” is often seen as a virtue – so that rushing around without purpose is almost guaranteed if we don’t make a conscious choice for something different. His chapter on rhythm motivated me to strive for something much better, to realize I have a choice, that I am the “conductor” – and I can choose to direct a beautiful song that is a life with purpose, a life that is mindful of the impressionable young lives in my midst.
When I created a rhythm chart for our family, I kept this musical metaphor in mind. If an activity was helpful in developing our “song”, if it was healthy, if it was life-giving, true, necessary – it got a place on my list of activity labels. If it was not, it got left out. This has made it much easier to avoid the randomness and make choices which are in tune with the song I hope our lives will sing.
Having a visual reminder in a chart has helped me stay focused on a simple plan for each day, and has helped our family cut out a lot of the random “clutter” in our schedule – I notice we have more time than we did before to enjoy one another and whatever it is we are doing for the day, even if it is laundry…when there is a simple plan, there is an ability to relax and connect. I feel it, and it is obvious my kids feel it. I started making charts for others who asked, and found I really enjoyed sharing these with other families who are on similar journeys. So, today – a giveaway for Simplicity Parenting readers from our new little home-based business, A Kid’s Day.
How to play:
1) “Like” Simplicity Parenting on Facebook. Comment here with your name, and it will be entered once in the drawing.
2) “Like” A Kid’s Day on Facebook and your name will be entered again.
3) Blog or status inviting your friends to participate in this giveaway and your name will be entered a third time!
We will announce the winner on the Simplicity Parenting Facebook page this Friday 08/19/11!
Update: We have a winner! Sarah Meacham will receive the grand prize. Thank you to all of the wonderful comments and for social networking with Simplicity Parenting.