Finding Balance, Moms in Business

Written by: Christine Carter

Are you unsure of how structured or flexible to be over the summer with your family’s schedule and routine? You may be asking yourself things like, “How much time should I allow my kids to do whatever they want?”, “How closely should I stick to a routine?”, or “Are my kids better off with less structure over the summer?”. Now that school is out, a change in our routine and schedule is thrust upon us, and it can be difficult to decide what activities to engage in that will be most nourishing, how closely to stick to a schedule, and how to maintain a balanced lifestyle that brings us happiness and fulfillment.

We don’t have to fumble through the summertime or struggle to find balance.

We can use this time to create exactly what we want. There are some key components we can include in our routine that help us to continue to be the great moms that we are while running a business and being able to experience a gratifying and supportive daily routine for the mind, body, and spirit.

In the broad sense, having a basic routine in place that is flexible is best if we want to provide our kids with a sense of freedom and adventure, while also helping them maintain a sense of safety, expectation, familiarity, and structure.

For our daily approach, here are 4 basic guidelines to set the tone each day for a balanced and enjoyable summer break with the kids:

Designate some time for physical activity, which can be anything from running around outside, to gymnastics in the living room.

Designate some play time, or idle time, where everyone can unwind, daydream, doodle, and lose track of time, not trying to accomplish anything. This is where your self-care comes in. Decide what small activities rejuvenate you that you can begin to incorporate into your schedule or routine. These activities can take anywhere from 3-20 minutes. You do not need to clear your schedule or take a two-week vacation to feel rejuvenated. In fact, it is best to keep the activities short. The key is to have the activities be brief, but frequent and consistent, about twice a day. Examples may be to stretch, journal, color, walk, take a bath, or cook.

Designate relaxation time together, where you and your kids are actively engaging in practices to relax the body and mind, such as playing a meditation video or guided meditation, doing some calming visualization, or tensing and relaxing different parts of the body. This teaches children how to self-regulate and de-escalate, as relaxation is a skill we can learn and improve with regular practice.

Designate work time, dedicating time to your business. Work time is when the family can be productive or contribute in a meaningful way, whether it is through school work or being in charge of a special task in the home that fosters helpfulness and leadership.

Creating a daily routine that balances movement, play, mindfulness, and work can set families up for success, allowing kids to be more well-adjusted, responsible, and cooperative. Christina Carter, M.A., parenting coach and holistic practitioner

www.intuitparentingandwellness.com intuitparenting@gmail.com @christinacarter_parentingcoach