The book called Parenting Beyond Your Capacity has a chapter discussing family rhythms. Every family has a rhythm, but not all rhythms are deliberate and strategic. Not all families have a plan, but every family settles into patterns, habits and rhythms that shape their lives together. I want to have a family that doesn’t drift off into eternity, but one which paces itself with planned persistence. Part of the plan includes training and specific habits to guide our growth and journey together. The following is not a complete list, but just some standouts that the Bourque family tries to hold to:
- Breakfast together including a Scripture verse to memorize.
- We use Foundation Verses on my iPhone (from Fighter Verses adapted for kids). You can also access it from the web.
- Prayer before school.
- Just a short, simple prayer to send everyone off with a reminder that God goes with us throughout the day.
- Walk to school, word of encouragement.
- I walk my oldest to school on purpose.
- I enjoy the relational moments, the fun conversations, jumping over the cracks and making footprints in the snow!
- I try to think of ways to encourage her for the day ahead.
- Exs: What will you talk about with your friends today? How can you give your best? When someone is mean to you, how can you respond like Jesus?
- Play with kids after work
- Love this part of the day.
- I get to act like a kid, be a horse to ride, wrestle with my boy to show off his tough side, watch my girl dress pretty and tell her how lovely she is.
- See You Have What is Takes by John Eldredge for using life as a way to help answer your kids’ primary questions. Read the rest of this entry »
