Let us therefore make every effort
to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.
Romans 14:19
Since launching our monthly ‘Do It’ List in December 2017, we’ve devoted each monthly post to unpacking one of the key points on the list. This helps us not just know what to do, but also have creative, motivating ideas for how to do it well—efficiently and effectively.
Our ‘Do It’ List archives are always available to you for review, whether you’re brand new to us or you just feel like brushing up on a few of the essentials.
In January, we talked about winning the war on clutter and shared tips on how to do that. Last month, we learned about the KonMari Method™—including ideas for tweaking, as well as learning from Marie Kondo’s approach.
Each week, our list includes this task: Organize a Drawer or Closet. Over the course of one year, that’s 52 drawers and closets that will get our attention! And even if you only manage to check that box two weeks out of each month, you will have tackled 24 spaces! Go, Mom!
If you’re like me, the challenge is not just GETTING there, it’s STAYING there. (Same for losing weight, but that’s a topic for another day!)
To help spur us all on in the “stay there” mode, this month we are adding a new item to the Daily List: the 15-minute pick up.
This was a practice I started with my children years ago. Now that they are raised, I continue it (almost) every day on my own. The description makes it, of course, somewhat self-explanatory. But here are a few points to help you to see its potential:
- Make it fun.
Turn on music and make it loud. Dance and sing while you pick up quickly. - Mom, too.
Unlike some of the other jobs on the ‘Do It’ list, don’t just delegate this to the kiddos. You jump in and participate, as well. - Set the Timer.
It will feel like a race to the finish. See how much you can accomplish. Can you beat the clock and have the family room completely picked up before the timer goes off? - Take a Before and After Pic.
Use this to brag on your kids. Praise them for their hard work! Let them visually see how much can be accomplished in a short time when everyone works together. Show the photos to Dad at dinner that night, so more praise gets heaped on your helpers! - Divide and Conquer.
Consider sending the children to focus on different “hot spots.” One may pick up the family room, while another tackles a bedroom or bookshelf. - Clutter Buddies
Consider pairing an older sibling with a younger to work as a team—perhaps two that wouldn’t normally play together. For example, my boys shared a room, worked on Legos, and generally did “guy” stuff together all the time. It was good, therefore, to occasionally partner up older brother with younger sister for a job. - Forget Snacks – or Recess!
A welcome break from reading, writing, and math is helpful and needed. None of us—and especially not children—enjoy being rooted in a seat with our minds focused for hours. Getting up and doing something physical gives our brains a welcome mental rest. Instead of letting that time be wasted in playing a video game or eating something just to be eating (and maybe not because he or she is hungry), use the 15-minute pick up as a mid-morning school break.
I hope you will be blessed by incorporating the 15-minute pick-up into your daily routine. Not only will you reap the blessing of peace and order in your home as a result, but the practice can be a powerful tool in training your children to life orderly lives, as well. You can remind them that “God is not a God of disorder but of peace…” I Corinthians 14:33
Be sure to download your April ‘Do It’ List so you’re ready to tackle the month. As always, we’re offering a standard version with pre-printed tasks, as well as a highly-customizable blank version for those of you with unique chores and needs.
Thanks for joining us on this journey to creating harmony at home, and ultimately freeing ourselves to pour out God’s love on those around us.
Please leave us a comment below … we’d love to know what music you and your family are picking up to this month!
DOWNLOAD YOUR COPY
OF THE APRIL ‘DO IT’ LIST!
