debt
Slow 'em Down
Days start early for kids, around 6:30 a.m. And after school, soccer practice, homework and other activities, they can tend to fall into bed exhausted. Slowing the pace of hectic lives doesn't just happen; it takes effort.
Here are some suggestions to decelerate your children's lives.
Set a bedtime and stick to it. Some parents say their most difficult battles involve bedtime. When our daughter was younger, she could think of dozens of reasons—usually good ones—to stay up extra minutes. Those "minutes" translated into an hour or more many nights. Sleep is important in providing physical rest for the body and renewal for the mind. Studies show kids this age need around 10 hours of sleep each night. Be firm about enforcing a reasonable bedtime. Grades and attitudes will improve.
Avoid overscheduling. Many great opportunities are available to our children: art lessons, ballet, gymnastics, karate, orchestra, band, cheerleading, church activities, sports, sports and more sports. Set limits on how many activities your children are allowed to participate in. Teach them now to make choices and set priorities so every day of the week doesn't involve going somewhere and doing something.
Preserve family time. If you aren't intentional about reserving some time just for family, you may go for weeks without having everyone together for more than a few minutes. Sometimes going out to eat is a good way to extract everybody from the phone, or other technology, and actually have an uninterrupted conversation. Family time can also happen with a hike in the woods or stargazing in the back yard. Recently, we went to bed early and got up at 4:30 a.m. to wrap up in blankets on our deck and watch a meteor shower.
Let your children see you take it easy. Children model what they see. If we are constantly on the go, our children get the message that they should do likewise. A day to read, reflect, nap or play board games shouldn't be considered laziness.
None of us can be our best mentally, emotionally or physically when we're fatigued. Try slowing the pace and help your children do the same. Then enjoy the rewards of a less stressful lifestyle.
Background Information
The Road to Debt
Learn to guard against the four common causes of debt.
Save or Swim
Danger: Thin Ice. Most people wouldn't risk their physical safety. So why do we ignore the signs of a financial catastrophe?
Drowning in Debt
If you can't seem to catch your financial breath, you're not alone. Sadly, millions of Americans are credit card captives.
Questions and Answers
What is the biblical approach to possessions and money?
Answer
Review Frequently Asked Questions
Stories
Prosperity and Pain
Finding blessings in the midst of incredible financial trials.
Credit—Not So Priceless
Every month, we spent more than we made and our balances ballooned. But it didn't stop us from purchasing a new living room set. Who could resist? Little did we know: we were digging a financial grave.
Living in Secret Debt
There's a high price to pay for acquiring debt.
If you've been through a experience related to this topic, we invite you to share your story with others.Share Your Story
Other Things to Consider
Even Though We Ain't Got Money…
That phrase – live on love – kept bringing to mind a song they played on the radio when I was a kid. I scoffed at its utter lack of common sense.
Learning to Roll With Change
It's not the most fun you'll ever have, but the results are worth it.
Related Topics
Transitions: Changing Jobs, Moving
Relationships: Communication Gaps
Parenting Teens: Communication Problems
