It's That Time Again...

   Well, it's that time of year again. Time to head to Target and try and buy everything your child could possibly need for the school year in one torturous swoop. Time to buy whole grain, whole wheat, gluten free bread and all natural no sugar added peanut butter and jelly (most kid's favorite). Time to wake up early and slurp a cup of your favorite morning addiction while trying to remember the route that doesn't include the an incomprehensible traffic jam in the middle of your neighborhood. That's right ladies and gentlemen, it's time for school.
   As excited as I am sure everyone is about the next ten months of joy, it is also a good time to gain some perspective and focus with your kids and family. Here are three things to consider as school resumes.

   1. Routine is Your Friend: Although it is optimal to never wake up before 10am and to always have pancakes and pizza for breakfast, it is a great necessity to build routine into our family life. Routine allows us to find a comfort zone where we can gain skills and push ourselves to grow. Think of it this way. When was the last time you met someone who had no job or routine and was continually bettering themselves? I have never met that person. In fact, most people I know that have little to know responsibility rarely find it necessary to be any better than they currently are. Use the routine of set bed times, homework times, and meal times to help your children process what is happening in their life. I am not expecting you to have a deep philosophical question with your 5 year old about the ethics of nap time, but it is important to help your children understand what behaviors and activities are appropriate according to your family and more importantly according to God.

   2. Distance Makes the Heart Grow Founder: You need to have your kids out of your life for about 6-8 hours a day. As a parent, you need some space to be able to think of yourself or better yet, your spouse. During the summer, it becomes extremely easy to put all your time, focus and energy into your kids and forget that you have a husband or wife let alone that you have friends. Even grown ups need friends and those friends shouldn't only be the people who have kids the same age as yours. Invest yourself in someone other than your kids. You will better the life of another and your life will be blessed as well. Also, make sure you are in a small group. Spend the hour or so away from your kids each week to feed yourself spiritually by being part of a group. Being part of a group is the most significant thing you can do for your health.

   3. Get a Baby Sitter: This one may seem unrelated, but with the advent of routine, it can get a little overboard. I know I said in point #1 that routine is important and it is, but at the same time, you need balance. Don't allow yourself to get caught in a rut. Call up a neighbor or a friend and ask for them to babysit for you. If you really need a babysitter, give me a call or email me. If I am available, I would love to come feed your kids a gallon of ice cream and let them play rodeo with the dog in the backyard. Bottom line, you need to take care of your relationship with your spouse. I am talking to you husband! If your reading this and your husband isn't, email him this post so he can read this. IF YOU ARE THE MAN IN THE HOUSE, TAKE YOUR WIFE ON A DATE AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE. IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE CRAZY OR EXPENSIVE. JUST GET TAKE OUT FROM YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANT AND GO SIT ON THE BEACH AND WATCH THE SUN GO DOWN. Yes, it is in all caps because I was shouting it. It's that important. I ain't mad at you, I just want you to get it.

   School is back, at least for the next 10 months. Embrace it as a time to grow your family as well as your self. Get into a routine that allows you to teach your children, allow yourself some time away from the kids, and for goodness sakes, get a baby sitter!