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<\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nFor example, this week our language arts is all being run through letter writing. We are writing back our French pen pals and in the process discussing communication style, grammar, spelling, and sentence structure. Best of all, the kids are enjoying the heck out of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I think a large part of our success so far though is my mindset. I’m almost finished with Cal Newport’s Deep Work<\/a> and am debating starting it over again immediately because it has been that impactful to me. I want to make sure I’ve absorbed as much of it as I can.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Part of the clarity it has brought is showing me how to separate shallow tasks from deep tasks. I’m learning to rewire my brain from the need of constant stimulation (darn it Tiktok, I knew you were terrible for me<\/em>). It’s helping me retrain my mind to better focus on what is important and in the process, allowing me to be more present. There are elements of time blocking, but for me it feels more about prioritizing and blocking out noise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I want to write more about this book another time, but I do credit it with helping me become more present in our days. Because of that, they are flowing so nicely. We are easing into our lessons for the day, unconcerned with “how long will this take?<\/em>” We’re allowing time for tangents, podcasts (Who Smarted<\/a> is an excellent podcast by the way<\/em>), and outdoor play (which is essential with Finley<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nMost important of all though, is that there is a peaceful and happy vibe in our home right now. We’ll see how the return to soccer, basketball, co-op, and piano affect that, but I’m optimistic that the major change initiating this new energy has been in my mind. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another, more tangible, switch I made for the time being is away from the responsibility charts and instead to the “my day” charts. Both are available for free download in my resource section<\/a>.<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I laminated the sheet and fill it out in the morning before they get up. They both like to know what to expect from the day, but filling out a day, instead of a week, at a time allows me to pivot and add\/subtract what is needed in a given day. For example, Kaitlyn will definitely have clean room<\/em> on her list today. The child is ridiculously messy (no need to send pictures of my childhood bedroom mom… I know where she gets it from<\/em>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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