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amyable
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| Posted: Nov 03 2005 at 3:49pm | IP Logged
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In one of the threads on atriums in the Montessori forum, Moira Farrel said (and forgive me for quoting this directly like we do in the same thread, I don't know how!):
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| For this purpose, there are times when I need to close the math book, put away the letter cards, loose the shrieking baby at my feet from the grip of the Colin-ator, and invite my children to some activity that restores all of us to a peaceful harmony once again; this is an opportunity to build our family’s culture, and to model to our children how to respond when the stresses and the struggles of life become too much. |
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This really spoke to me. I know it will be different for each family, and it is something to prayerfully discern, but I would love to hear what works for YOUR family. What are some things you turn to in the moment when your house crumbles into chaos?
Here, since we have mostly littles, I've found stopping for a meal or snack does wonders - especially if I tell everyone to dress up first.  Sometimes I'll grab a favorite picture book and yell (to be heard)  that it's couch time. Although we are often on the couch anyway!  I find any time I can break out of my shell and get silly, usually I can commandeer enough attention away from the children's problems and move them on to something better.
I'd love to hear more ideas! Usually I just open my eyes wide in overwhelmed awe of what the situation has dwindled to  
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Amy
mom of 5, ages 6-16, and happy wife of 
The Highly Sensitive Homeschooler
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Erica Sanchez
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My first thought, before I read the entire post, was to gather everyone for food!
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Have a beautiful and fun day!
Erica in San Diego
(dh)Cash, Emily, Grace, Nicholas, Isabella, Annie, Luke, Max, Peter, 2 little souls ++, and sweet Rose who is legally ours!
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TracyQ
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We usually have a family movie or even afternoon, complete with popcorn!
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Blessings and Peace,
Tracy Q.
wife of Marty for 20 years, mom of 3 wonderful children (1 homeschool graduate, 1 12th grader, and a 9th grader),
 homeschooling in 15th year in Buffalo, NY
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cctabb
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We just go with it. When things get that bad we leave the house a mess, do nutty things (sock wars is my dd's favorite), order a pizza, go shopping, anything out of the ordinary. Now I ususally pay for it the next day or so when things have to be cleaned back up and order has to be restored. But dh and dd are learning that when we let chaos reign they have to help with the aftermath.
Charlene
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Sarah
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Yesterday I took a plastic holy water bottle, the type with the little flip-up dispenser, with the St. Michael prayer on it and blessed te kids with it. Since dd 2 and ds 4 were both crying and fighting I decided we needed a little holy water so I flinged it on all the kids like the priest at Mass. If done correctly, you can hit a kid on the head from across the room. I did it to all the kids, in a respectful way, reminding them it was holy water. The crying stopped. They made the Sign of the Cross. They all loved it, and it was just what I needed to get everyone back and they got some special graces to boot! Added bonus: the 2 yr. old spent the next 15 minutes trying to get it open (and then dumped the remaining few drops on her own head).
Usually, we go outside, eat a snack, read a book together, or listen to music. Taking a ride in the car is fun and someone usually falls asleep.
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Six boys ages 16, 14, 11, 7, 5, 2 and one girl age 9
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kingvozzo
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Sarah wrote:
| If done correctly, you can hit a kid on the head from across the room. |
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My sister used to keep Holy Water in a spray bottle for just such emergencies!
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Noreen
Wife to Ed
Mom to 4 great kids and 10 sweet ones in Our Lady's arms
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Marybeth
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I light our holy candle to calm me and remind myself "this too shall pass" and try to get us all interested in something else. One reason I love my new house is b/c we can either go upstairs or downstairs and leave the "area/activity" which is bugging us. I do have to remember to take the candle with me if we leave the room!
Great thread!
Marybeth
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Becky Parker
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I love the holy water idea!! We usually head outside. I just say something like "Okay, time for a nature hike!" and my kids run to get their shoes on with great enthusiasm!! I think I need to do this more often. When we are out hiking, they are all so nice to each other! I just start worrying about the school work we are not accomplishing (Math, copy work, etc.). Truth is, after we've had a hike, the school work happens anyway, just not according to my schedule.
Becky
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4Real Forums : Tea and Conversation
Topic: Restoring harmony...
