It\u2019s a Monday morning. We are all moving slow. The kids would rather play computer games and I would love to sit on the couch with a good book.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The weekend was very busy with household tasks, catching up on laundry, activities with cousins, farm chores, shopping, and church. Now we must move into our week and get schoolwork done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, we start the day with our Monday Meeting. We talk about things that need to be done, events that might happen, and anything we need to get ready for.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
During breakfast, I call everyone to the family calendar on the kitchen wall. We stand there together and discuss what our schedule looks like for the week ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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I ask questions like: <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe have time on Thursday afternoon this week. Do you guys want to meet friends at the park or go shoe shopping?\u201d<\/li>
\u201cI don\u2019t think we should go out to eat this week, but what night should we make homemade pizza?\u201d<\/li>
\u201cWhen was your friend going to come over?\u201d<\/li>
\u201cNext Monday is a holiday and Daddy is off work. Should we plan something fun or should we work on projects at home?\u201d<\/li>
\u201cWas there an extra dance practice this week or next week?\u201d<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
I explain things that need to be done:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBecause we have this zoo field trip early on Tuesday morning, we will need to pack lunches and get everything ready on Monday evening.\u201d<\/li>
\u201cWe need to leave space in our calendar on Friday because I need to clean out the chicken pens this week.\u201d<\/li>
\u201cIf we get our household chores done early than we can go hiking on Saturday.\u201d<\/li>
\u201cWe need to get a bunch of school work done so that we can take off early on Friday next week for our RV trip.\u201d<\/li>
Anything that is unique to this week. (Obviously all these examples would not be happening in the same week.)<\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Our plans usually require some adjustment. However, I have learned that harmony happens when everyone knows what is expected and what is planned.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
All of my kids (even my 5 year old) enjoy getting to have a vote in what is happening. They do not get the final decision but they do get to contribute ideas and feel like they are part of the team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Each Monday it looks a little different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We ask for input from the kids and we all get on the same page. We make decisions standing in our kitchen together relaxed and calm. <\/strong>Then later in the week, decision making is not happening when emotions are running hot. When stressful events wear me out, I just do what we already planned. No on the spot thinking needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sometimes our weekly meeting is not even on Monday. <\/p>
But, the consistent part is the communication <\/strong>about what this week holds.<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Some ideas on how we make this work.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Purpose:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
To communicate what we care about<\/li>
To know what matters<\/li>
To make decisions together<\/li>
So that the kids will know about optional activities<\/li>
This is also a time to show flexibility and how plans can change. If this ______ happens, then we will do this _____ .<\/li>
To see the entire week all at once.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
The Monday Meeting Layout: This takes us less than 10 minutes.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Together standing at the calendar we review what is written or digitally entered for the week<\/li>
We discuss normal schedule stuff<\/li>
Review extra events happening<\/li>
Upcoming holidays\/events this month\/vacations<\/li>
This week\u2019s weather & anything seasonal<\/li>
Tasks to be done<\/li>
Errands to run<\/li>
Chores to do that are unique to this week (prepare the garden for seeds, sweep the kitchen before hosting dinner for friends, fold all the laundry before packing for a trip, etc.)<\/li>
Goals or plans we have for school or special events<\/li>
Updates on things scheduled \u2013 What has changed?<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Different ways we have done our \u201cMonday Meeting\u201d:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Quick discussion during breakfast on Monday morning<\/li>
Family meeting at dinner on Sunday night<\/li>
Part of our school morning on Monday<\/li>
While in the car to something on Monday morning<\/li>
A quick gathering at the calendar before breakfast (like a business-style morning stand-up meeting)<\/li>
Via text message to the teens and adults with bullet points for the week & a shared digital calendar<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
We use the productivity tool of a Monday Meeting for communication and unity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Our planning teaches our kids how to be flexible and focus on what\u2019s important. Also, all our kids feel like their ideas matter. Even our littles are part of our meeting and give input.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Harmony happens when everyone knows what is expected and what is planned. When challenges come then we can all work together as a unit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We can solve problems as a family.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I hope this tool is helpful for you as you navigate your busy schedule too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Questions:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What is important to your family this week?<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
What activities need some preparations made?<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
How can you make space for the kids to help make some decisions?<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
What does the weather look like this week? Does that change anything?<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
What holiday is coming up? Is there decorating to be done or prep work?<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whatever your week holds, I am wishing you the best! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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