Five Activity Stations for Family Peace

While homeschooling three, I remember a phrase that used to come to mind whenever my day felt out of control. I would think, “Here we go! It’s the tail that wagged the dog!!”  I knew I had forfeited my good authority, and the “tails” were now in charge.  I was convicted, knowing that God had blessed me with this family and my home, and that He desired that I be a good steward of what He had given me (Matthew 26:16-30, the Parable of the Talents).  To resolve this constant problem and align my home with God’s intentions for it, I created little stations, which made it much easier to keep my kids on track by giving them regularly scheduled activities. Only then did I see that the wrestling didn’t erupt as often, and the media didn’t become the go-to! The dreaded phrase, “Mom! I’m bored!!,” was then rarely used.  I would remind myself… God is not a God of confusion, but of peace (1 Cor. 14:33). On those occasions when things again got out of control, I would simply look at my daily schedule hanging on the fridge and give my children an instruction they usually looked forward to following.  They had a designated place to go and the necessary items in place to accomplish the fun task.  “Kids, it’s Coloring time, or reading time,”  and off they’d go to the coloring or reading station.  “Kids, it’s room-time, and off they’d go to their individual rooms where they could play in peace, without being interrupted, using their imaginations and ingenuity.  Because I had these and other stations set up at home and could easily direct their activities, the result was the blessing of getting so much more checked off my own task list.  Of course, my tasks weren’t the main goal of my day, but when they were accomplished, time with my children became the bright spot.  

Let me share a few of the stations I used. These are not super original ideas, and there are so many more.   Since you understand your kids better than anyone else, you can certainly think of other activities that would make a great addition to the schedule.  And when you train them to leave the station neat and clean before they move on to something else, it also keeps these activities from spilling into all your living spaces, so your home stays neater and more organized, and the family can breathe. There is peace.  So, let's begin with some very basic ideas for scheduled activities.  

1.  Book and Bible Nook:  

Parents aren't the only ones who learn to love a comfy spot, a great book, and a cozy beverage.  If this becomes a specified daily scheduled time, your child will begin to love books and reading time!  Make sure the books are rich in Bible truths and character.  As your children read daily, it will make a lasting impact on their hearts. What time in their day will you apply this activity?  

2.  Coloring/Craft Table:  

As children independently create, they are increasing in mental and personal growth, developing fine motor skills, problem solving, and reflecting the glory of our great and awesome Creator.  Set up a small table and chairs so their feet hit the floor and they are comfortable for a while.  Load a basket with coloring books, drawing paper, crayons, etc. so that when it's time to create, the station is always waiting for them. I even bought inexpensive pre-k workbooks, and was amazed at how many times those became their go-to project during Coloring-time.  Creativity and learning! Win-win!  

3.  Fun and Exercise Arena:

Our all-wise God gave us bodies to move and exercise for good reason. As we know, kids’ bodies are highly energized, so they need to work it off every day! You will see an increase in their ability to focus and listen, as well as improved appetites!  Happiness hormones are produced, and they sleep more soundly. Prepare a specific spot in your home, in the backyard, or make a daily trip to the nearest park.  Set them up and train them with a plan that they know for daily exercise and active game options. Organize your spot with the usual jump ropes, hula hoops, balls, and anything else that would be fun for your child and help them learn to use a timer for each exercise.

4.  My Space:

My Space can begin with the baby by training her to be content on her own in a playpen with secure boundaries. Also effective is blanket time, where you teach her to honor the blanket's borders as her boundary.  Eventually, when old enough and responsible enough, move her to room time.  Set aside some toys and books that are only available in room time and use a gate, and eventually the door jamb as your child's new boundary.  You will find your children may even ask you if they can go to room time during the day.  The benefits include the ability to be self-entertained, it fosters imagination, a child becomes less dependent on others, it induces calming and security. AND... perk for the parent... it gives you downtime! 

5.  The Parent Spot:

This is individual time for you and your child to do something together.  You can bake cookies, have a tea party, create a LEGO town, read a story together, or play a board game.  The options are endless, and the value of this time is infinite.  When you’ve had more time for your tasks as your children learn to work and play independently, this intentional time with your child becomes a joy! It’s an opportunity to pour into his heart, and a cherished time to hear what’s in it! 

You may be wondering how this works with multiple children.  It’s so good!  You simply have your children rotate through these stations.  Sometimes you will have them play together, and sometimes they will be at their own individual stations. Of course, there is some management on your part, but as your kids grow accustomed to this routine, your management becomes more minimal.  This means less chaos, less conflict, and so much more peace and joy in your home as the tail is now being wagged by the dog! Lol!  And most importantly, when you lie your head on your pillow at night, you can hear the verse from Matthew 25:21…

‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ 

By Sharon Cannavo

Note...

Does this feel like an unrealistic dream? Your children are capable of cooperating in an organized, scheduled home if they have learned to obey mom and dad.  If you are struggling with this, please let us help.  Training Hearts for Jesus, a biblical parenting class, helps parents bring their children to peaceful obedience.