I heard in a sermon recently a pastor address the fact that when they went "multi-site" he had to stop addressing situations and work on systems. This resonated deeply with me! Years ago when I had Zach and the twins, 3 kids, I could address situations. Now I need a SYSTEM for EVERYTHING.
Our regular routine is to once a week go to the library and then go to Chick-fil-a. Lets take refills at Chick-fil-a. When it was just Zach and 2 babies, I had no pre-established rules or systems for a refill. We just got a refill when we wanted it. Now I have a SERIOUS system for the entire cup situation, from if and when you get a refill, even down to you have to earn the right to bring that cup in the car. If you take initiative with trash in the car then YES you can take your drink in the car. I could easily clean up 1-2 cups. Who could clean up 6? Not me! Which segues to another system. GAS! Whenever we pump gas everyone who is able to un-buckle must un-buckle to clean up their "row in the van"of any trash. They are mostly agreeable to this and a reminder of this is how they earn the right to BRING the cup in the car boosts motivation.
Laundry and Dishes. With 3 kids I would just address laundry and dishes. Get them done, get them moving. With 6-7 I have a SYSTEM. Every meal, EVERY Z has a job (even down to the youngest has shoe patrol). Someone is in charge of dishes and someone is in charge of laundry to keep these areas PROGRESSING. I couldn't survive without this system. And, a note about the "chore chart"... by the time the ink dries on 1 chore chart the needs of our family change or the stage of a child changes and someone needs a promotion. Doesn't promotion sound way better than "more work"? It is always evolving!
Another scenario- THE POOL! I've said before that it takes me 15 trips to master a system to enjoy an outing. The first time anywhere - MAJOR learning curve. The first trip to the pool I forget floaties and I start nursing and half the kids have finished the measly 2 water bottles I packed, and I am dehydrated. Alas, I simply can't understand, why I didn't bring sunscreen!? And, then each outing after I start strategizing what happens when, to meet all of our needs and distribute work accordingly. We have been to the pool about 15 times so suddenly it is getting fun. We have a system! I figured out who carries what bag and who packs the cooler I just haven't figured out how to get them to not fight over who gets what towel? Oh the Grace I need!
I might be saying this TOO soon but it seems easier to bring baby #7 home and get in our routine then ANY OTHER BABY we have had. I think because we have so many rhythms and systems in place. And, I have FOUR children that can hold him while I shower and brush my teeth -- this rocks my world! This helps reserve and maintain energy for when I am mediating and teaching during a towel WAR of who gets the brand new towels and who has to use the ones from last summer!
