You Don't Have to Do It All!

I have a little secret to tell you...

You don't have to do it all!

As moms, we have so much on our plates. We have so much responsibilities on our shoulders and we want to give our children everything we can!

That desire is good! But in today's day of social media, Pintrest birthday parties, and aggressive advertising campaigns telling us everything we "should" have or do, it often feels like we are missing out no matter what we are doing. 

So let me tell you a little secret. You don't have to do it all! What's more, the idea that you can do "it all" is not even true. Let's talk about that a little more.

My daughters and I went to a fantastic play yesterday. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and we were star-struck by the cast members as we took pictures with them afterwards. It felt like Disney Land, standing in a line to get your picture with the famous Disney character.

On the drive home we talked enthusiastically about Disney Land, Disney World, and Amusement Parks in general. We talked about wanting to go there and do all the things... As we arrived home and the discussion came to a close I wanted to give them realistic expectation that we probably wouldn't be going to Disney Land any time soon, if ever.

Don't get me wrong, I think the kids would really enjoy it. But our family goals and dreams don't revolve around that kind of adventure. If we were making a financial output of that size it would likely be for a trip to the Grand Canyon, Mexico on a missions trip, or traveling across the US. We just have different dreams and goals for our family that Disney Land.

And that's were I come to "We can't do it all." We were never intended to have our kids in every sport, a part in every play, visit every amusement park, and do all the other things we are told by society we should. Yes, we could run around doing as many of the activities as we possibly could but at the end of the day would you be happy with your investment? Would it be shaping your kids in the ways you want it to?

Another, much simpler example of this, is homeschooling. I LOVE homeschooling my kids, but I can't do it all. I have two preteen and a baby. I can't spend hours doing science experiments, reading lengthy history books, doing art classes, teaching music, having my kids in a co-op, my kids doing sports, and still accomplish the regular schooling of reading, writing, and math... It's just not possible for me.

A prime example of this: I bought this awesome Art Program
about two years ago. We've only done 4 lessons! I had to let  go
of  the idea of "regular" art lessons together for now. I gave my girls
free reign of the art book and supplies and they ended up doing it all themselves!

I have to prioritize what is important. For our homsechool, that's the basics and leaving room to explore the rest. For our family that's adventures in nature and exploring cultures more than amusement parks. It's different for every family. Prioritize what matters to you and let go of the rest. We simply can't do it all, and we shouldn't even try. 

Our kids have a lifetime to learn, grow, and explore, don't squander these precious little years chancing after what you think you "should" be doing, instead do what you know to be most important!

Much love,

-Joy