Beauty 365 … Stories of Love and Life for Everyday

I’m going to say this very quietly because I am nervous that as soon as I articulate it, everything will fall apart, but, here goes, my life has been revolutionised! Let me explain…

Just over a week ago when leaving Melbourne for Phillip island, Hub and I had a rare hour or so alone in the car together. (Big kids took cars as well.) Amongst a million topics, and definitely divinely inspired, we decided to devise a jobs roster for our time away.

We categorised five tasks: table setting, table clearing, cleaning kitchen, cooking dinner and  laundry, one for each child per day.

Day 14, and we are quite simply patting ourselves on the back! It’s been a win-win. The kids are actually enjoying being responsible and learning new skills. I was blown away to hear the reply of our 13-year-old son  when he was challenged to a game of table tennis... “Yeah, but I just wanna hang the washing out first!”

The change in space and tempo during these lock-down days has given me a new clarity of vision.

Firstly, to see that I habitually take on the bulk of the housework, sometimes unreasonably. (Early on in our parenting, we were advised not to do things for our children that they are capable of doing for themselves. I have not been good at this.)

Secondly, my kids are not babies any more. They are strong, smart and capable.

Hopeful for changes in our post lock-down life.