Simplifying and reevaluating family activities is an on-going process! 

When activities keep our cars rolling and all of us exhausted, it's time to ask, "Are my kids really enjoying this, or is our family life suffering because of it?"  Constantly on the run to music (and other) lessons, sports practice and games,....we THINK it's necessary for a well-rounded education.  But is it crowding out Family Time, making the kids tired, cranky and irritable? 

At first, kids balk at the idea of spending time together, but if you plan something FUN, and follow through with it, they'll make sure they don't miss out!  (Children grow up so fast.  Before you know it, the opportunity has passed, and they're moving out!)

Sports, music and other extra curricular activities are great, but try to keep a balance between schoolwork, sports, lessons, family life and "time for relaxation".

Teaching your children to do chores every day will have lasting rewards!

There's no way one person can "do it all", still having time to RELAX and participate in Family Life.  Involve the children by giving them individual chores each day, according to their age and ability. 

Choreganizers from www.unitstudies.com is a wonderful, colorful chore system.  Individual cards show a picture of the chore on the front, with a description of the chore on the back.  These small cards are placed on a bulletin board, below each child's name.  Assignments are given for the day or week.  "Chore Bucks" are earned for successfully completing chores, which can be redeemed for items or privileges. 

The greatest reward your children will receive, though, is learning what it takes to manage a home, keeping a sense of cleanliness and order, while working cooperatively with other family members.  One day, they'll have a home of their own, and because they were taught the skills necessary to manage it, they'll be able to care for it AND teach their own children the value of each member on the family "team".