It’s Wednesday morning, and we’re already running late as we jump into the car for school. The preceding days have been a blur of practices, games, and homework. The week prior, post-Thanksgiving, had left us in a chaotic state.
As we slam the car doors, frustration bubbles within me. I’ve been feeling this way for days. I had told my 12-year-old daughter, Lily, to organize her cheer bag multiple times. Yet, when I check, I find the uniform on the floor, the bow perched haphazardly atop the bag, and the shoes sitting several feet away.
Laundry lies strewn about the house. My 10-year-old son, Noah, forgot to pack his lunch the night before, and in the morning rush, he left it sitting on the counter. I’m tempted to unleash my anger with phrases like “this is unacceptable” and “you’re being irresponsible.” However, deep down, I recognize that my frustration is as much about my own actions as it is about theirs. As the leader of this family unit, I play a significant role in our collective challenges.
As we pull out of the driveway, I choose my words carefully. “I think we need a reset tonight,” I calmly suggest. Instead of blaming them, I propose, “Let’s set aside our electronics tonight and work together to make our lives easier.”
The kids chime in, asking if they can use their iPads for music while we clean. “Sure,” I respond, realizing that music can enhance our productivity rather than detract from it. During the drive, we outline our evening plans: sorting through closets, donating unneeded items, folding laundry, finishing homework, packing lunches, showering, and prepping for the next day.
This isn’t punishment; it’s a collaborative effort to improve how we function as a family. When I pick up Noah from school, he crawls into the car with a smile. “Mom, I’ve been thinking, and I’m not even upset about not using my iPad today,” he declares. This feels like a small victory. Lily joins us, and we discuss our plans as we drive home.
“Can we have a little playtime before we start?” Noah asks. “Of course,” I reply. We’re not in trouble; we’re simply working together to iron out our issues.
Our evening doesn’t unfold perfectly. There’s a meltdown over the laundry taking longer than expected and some hesitance about what items to let go from our closets. Yet, progress is made. By bedtime, we’ve accomplished everything, even squeezing in brownie baking for fun. Everyone feels accomplished, and Lily suggests, “I should wake up early tomorrow for a run. Want to join me, Mom?” Noah decides to set his alarm early too, eager for a hearty breakfast.
The next morning, Lily wakes me at 6:30 a.m. instead of my usual wake-up routine of demanding “feet on the ground” at 7:00. We enjoy a refreshing mile run together, while Noah is up and already feeding the cats. We leave for school three minutes early, all calm and cheerful.
On the way, we talk about how being prepared alleviates our morning stress. We reflect on how our proactive planning yesterday made a significant difference, especially with two games and travel on the schedule for that evening.
#ResetWednesday has fostered much-needed harmony within our family. I’m eager to make it a weekly tradition, and I encourage you to consider this approach as well.
To implement this successfully, here are some tips:
- Frame it positively. Discuss it as a family collaboration to simplify life rather than a punishment.
- Consider removing electronics, but adapt to what works for your family. For us, music enhances our productivity.
- Set achievable goals. We managed a lot because we had some organization in place already. Don’t be discouraged if it takes time to build up to a full reset.
- Acknowledge your role. If children aren’t meeting expectations, it’s a shared responsibility. Teach them how to contribute to the family dynamic.
- Reflect on your progress. Encourage your children to discuss the benefits of not rushing and how rewarding it feels to be prepared.
Let’s establish #ResetWednesday as a common practice in our homes—a midweek pause to declutter and streamline our lives. Join me in this effort.
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In summary, embracing a reset day in the middle of the week can lead to improved family dynamics, reduce stress, and foster a collaborative spirit among family members.
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