What are we talking about today?
You want a peaceful home. A happy family. You want to get everything done, wear all the hats, and fit in time for family fun.
And healthy family rhythms will get you there.
Whether you like to-do lists or not, have a great morning routine or not, live by strong habits or not, family rhythms will bring peace, order, and joy to your busy life.
So that’s what we’re talking about today. Why are rhythms helpful? How do you develop them? What if it all falls apart?
Let’s dive in.
Listen to Episode 96:
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More resources for you!
If today’s topic is meaningful to you, these resources will give some additional support:
- 5 Tools Every Busy Mom Needs to Move Her Family From Autopilot to Intimacy is a great FREE 5-day email course to give you biblical encouragement and a real-life action plan.
- The Hope Planner is my all-time favorite planner that helps me focus on the real priorities in life… and still get the to-do list done.
[This post may contain affiliate links. If a purchase is made, I may receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.]
Today's Episode Highlights
I love to-do lists. I love having a clear routine to my day.
But even more than that, I love having clear family rhythms. A flow to our normal days and weeks – one that everyone knows, everyone understands, and everyone finds meaningful.
The rhythms of family life don’t need to be written down, but they do need to exist.
Why family rhythms matter for a peaceful home
Family rhythms make home life more predicable. People know what to expect. This means not only is there less stress in planning and going through your typical day or week, but you also can save that all-important brain power for other things!
These type of family rhythms also help to reduce stress in the home. Everyone knows what to expect, yes – but also, it’s easier to cut back on the nagging! It’s much easier to remind people of the norm and then hold them accountable to it if it is actually a norm.
Even when life is busy – actually, especially when life is busy! – family rhythms give a structure and expectation to your regular life. It is so helpful!
5 steps to creating family rhythms
Start by identifying your family’s priorities. This starts, of course, with God’s priorities… maybe things like compassion, kindness, loving sacrifice. (We’ll get into what that looks like later.)
But also, what are your household rules? Preferences and priorities as a family? What do you need for your peace of mind? It might be things like: we need to keep our home clean; we need a family Bible devotional time; I need to exercise; etc.
Next, the big part: consider what these priorities would look like for your family, in this season. What routines or habits, would get these priorities happening? So, for example, if you want to prioritize cleaning up and family devotions, you might identify that cleaning up before each meal is helpful and realistic, and a devotional during a meal is more realistic than an extra event each day. Know that the specifics may change in different seasons, even if the overall rhythm stays similar!
Now you’re going to take action to start doing something to make these rhythms a reality. Depending on your personality, you might just go for it and make the change, or you might talk it through with everyone and prep for the change. Either way… something has to start happening! You may want to write out your daily and weekly rhythm or put reminders for yourself around the home or in your phone.
While a rhythm is not a routine or a habit (though it may include those within it… a morning routine might be a normal part of your daily rhythm of life), you’ll still find it helpful to take note of how the new rhythm is going.
What works for people? Where is there still complaining or frustration? Take note, so you can make changes as needed.
But… our fifth step… stay calm and consistent! Yes, take note of what’s working or not working, but don’t dive straight into changes. A rhythm is meant to be somewhat flexible. Remind people in a calm and positive way about what’s coming next, why that is (connecting with your priorities), and what it’s going to look like.
Want more encouragement on this topic?
Check out these other episodes for more biblical encouragement and practical tips on this topic:
- Episode 45 // My daily habits that keep me spiritually healthy and help me raise my kids in the Lord (without extra work)
- Episode 22 // Is your busy schedule hurting your family relationships? 3 risks you might not be thinking about… and 3 ideas to find a great balance
- Episode 28 // Using time management strategies to boost your relationships: My 3-step process to a successful weekly schedule that strengthens my relationships AND gets the to-do list checked off!
And don’t forget to grab a resource or two that will help you LOVE Christian family life!
Friday Faith Follow-up
It’s never fun to find your best plans flying out the window. But we don’t have to let it spiral our family out of control! You can still enjoy a peaceful home, meaningful family connections, and healthy family rhythms in these unexpected seasons of life. In today’s short episode, we’re looking at God’s wisdom and encouragement for handling these moments.
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Hugs & blessings to you, my friend! I’ll talk to you soon.
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A reminder of the Disclaimers & Disclosures Policy: I am an affiliate with many of the resources I recommend, which means I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase through my provided links. I never recommend products I don’t love! Also, I am a licensed therapist but this podcast is not therapy. It is not professional or personal advice to your specific situation. Get info about professional counseling here.
