Put in time and energy protected pockets – for (and with) your family and friends

Good God, Charlie Brown! Families run like crazy, and it’s chaotic, to say the least. Here’s my question: Is this the experience that you want your kids, nieces, nephews, parents, and friends to remember about any time they spent with you, that is, that it is chaotic and crazy? Hmmm …. I think not. So here are some ideas for spending time and energy protected for your friends and family.

  1. If your children or other family members participate in an organized sport, limit it to one per person per season. This is easier for the child and the rest of the family. Running like crazy doesn’t build anyone’s relationships or overall health. Choose a sport / person / season.
  2. Have one day or one night a week that is “off limits” for anything scheduled, at all. Open calendars – heavenly. These open spaces are protected pockets. Everyone needs it, especially as a family. Just be home and eat together, watch a movie, play board games, talk (actually … just talk and find out what’s going on in everyone’s life), or whatever else is enjoyable and helps build. relationships and the feeling of ahhhh … space.
  3. The “off limits” day also refers to you. Regardless of whether you are a member of a “traditional” family or friends group, you need a day / night in which you have nothing scheduled. It is your protected time. You can rejuvenate and be better for everyone if you have this time and space.
  4. Set the ASO time. Too many families are using all their time to spend time on the screen (television, video games, movie rentals, computer, etc.) and should consider imposing limits. Start with an “ASO” (“All Displays Off”) time at a specified time or until a specified time.
  5. Define how your pockets look and feel to you, in terms of your relationships and time with friends and family.Be clear on your own first, and then let others in your personal circle know. Next, find out how it looks and feels to them. You would be surprised.

Put in protected pockets by and with your family and friends help keep chaos at bay and allow you to lead a more peaceful and productive life. That’s what you want, right?

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