By: Jamie Parker
Updated: Dec. 17, 2019
It’s Wednesday morning, and we’re already ten minutes behind as we scramble into the car for school. The past few days have been a blur of practices, games, and homework. Just last week, we were all over the place with Thanksgiving festivities, and the chaos has carried over.
As we slam the car doors shut, frustration bubbles inside me. I’ve been feeling this way for the entire week. I had reminded my 12-year-old daughter, Mia, three times to gather her cheer bag and get it organized. Yet here we are, with her uniform lying on the floor in front of the washing machine, the bow perched precariously on top of the bag, and her shoes sitting four feet away on the shoe rack.
Laundry is piling up, and my 10-year-old son, Leo, forgot his lunch at home, even after I urged him to pack it the night before. It’s tempting to lash out with phrases like “this is unacceptable” or “you’re being irresponsible.” But deep down, I recognize that my frustration should also be directed at myself. As the parent, I lead this family unit, and if things aren’t running smoothly, I must take some responsibility.
What I decide to do next will influence the tone of our family life for the days to come. So as we pull out of our driveway, I calmly suggest, “I think we need a reset tonight.”
I don’t say, “You all can’t get it together, so no screens tonight.” Instead, I frame it positively: “Let’s take a break from electronics and use the evening to get organized. This way, tomorrow will be a smoother experience.” When the kids ask if they can use their iPads for music while we work, I happily agree.
During the drive, we brainstorm what we’ll accomplish when we get home: decluttering our closets, donating unused toys, sorting the laundry, finishing homework, packing lunches, showering, and laying out clothes for the next day. We’re not in trouble; we’re a team that just needs to practice running our plays more efficiently. Everyone will feel accomplished once we complete these tasks.
By the time I pick Leo up, he hops into the car and says, “Mom, I’ve been thinking, and I’m not even upset about not playing on my iPad today.” I take this as a victory. When Mia joins us, we discuss our plan for the evening as we drive home.
“Can we have some time to play before we start?” she asks. “Of course!” I reply. It’s all about collaboration, not punishment.
The work session isn’t without its challenges. There’s a minor meltdown over how long the laundry is taking, and some hesitance about what to give away from our closets. We have our breaks and negotiations, but progress is made.
By bedtime, we’ve accomplished everything on our list, even squeezing in some brownie baking for fun. Everyone feels great. I feel like Super Mom. Mia even suggests, “Maybe I should wake up early tomorrow and go for a run. Want to join me, Mom?” Leo decides to set his alarm early as well so he can enjoy a hearty breakfast.
The next morning, Mia wakes me at 6:30 a.m. instead of the usual rush at 7:00. We manage a quick mile together in the crisp morning air while Leo is already up, cheerfully eating a big bowl of cereal and feeding the cats. We leave for school three minutes early, all calm and happy.
On the way, we chat about how being prepared makes our mornings less stressful. We realize that we’ve managed to eliminate any chores for tonight since we’re on top of everything. This preparation is crucial since we have two games to travel to later.
Reset Wednesday
brought a welcome sense of harmony to our family. I’m eager to continue this tradition weekly and encourage you to try it too.
Here are a few tips to make it work:
- Frame it positively: This isn’t a punishment. Present it as a family activity that simplifies life.
- Set boundaries on electronics: We love music, so using devices for that purpose helps instead of hindering productivity.
- Set realistic goals: We managed a lot, but that’s because we’re generally organized. Don’t overwhelm yourself on the first try.
- Acknowledge your role: If your kids aren’t meeting expectations, it reflects on you too. Teach them the importance of teamwork within the family.
- Celebrate your achievements: Encourage your kids to reflect on how much better they feel when they’re not rushing around.
Let’s make Reset Wednesday a regular part of our routines. It’s a midweek opportunity to declutter and simplify our lives together. Join me!
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Summary:
“Reset Wednesday” has become a transformative weekly ritual for our family, encouraging organization and collaboration while reducing stress. By framing it as a positive experience, setting realistic goals, and acknowledging our responsibilities as a family, we’ve created a smoother, more harmonious home life.