Habits of the Household

Synopsis

Discover simple habits and easy-to-implement daily rhythms that will help you find meaning beyond the chaos of family life as you create a home where kids and parents alike practice how to love God and each other.

You long for tender moments with your children--but do you ever find yourself too busy to stop, make eye contact, and say something you really mean? Daily habits are powerful ways to shape the heart--but do you find yourself giving in to screen time just to get through the day? You want to parent with purpose--but do you know how to start?

Award-winning author and father of four Justin Whitmel Earley understands the tension between how you long to parent and what your daily life actually looks like. In Habits of the Household, Earley gives you the tools you need to create structure--from mealtimes to bedtimes--that free you to parent toddlers, kids, and teens with purpose. Learn how to:

• Develop a bedtime liturgy to settle your little ones and ground them in God's love
• Discover a new framework for discipline as discipleship
• Acquire simple practices for more regular and meaningful family mealtimes
• Open your eyes to the spirituality of parenting, seeing small moments as big opportunities for spiritual formation
• Develop a custom age chart for your family to more intentionally plan your shared years under the same roof

Each chapter in Habits of the Household ends with practical patterns, prayers, or liturgies that your family can put into practice right away. As you create liberating rhythms around your everyday routines, you will find your family has a greater sense of peace and purpose as your home becomes a place where, above all, you learn how to love.

About the Publisher

Zondervan

Zondervan, part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, is a world leading Bible publisher and provider of Christian communications. For more than 80 years, Zondervan has delivered transformational Christian experiences through its bestselling Bibles, books, curriculum, academic resources and digital products. The company?s products are sold in multiple formats, worldwide in more than 60 countries, translated into nearly 200 languages. Zondervan offices are located in Grand Rapids, MI.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Power of Routine

This chapter emphasizes the importance of establishing routines in the household to create structure and predictability. It explains how routines can reduce stress, save time, and improve communication within the family.

Real-world Example: A family creates a daily routine that includes waking up at 7 am, getting dressed and making breakfast together, and having a family dinner at 6 pm. This routine provides a sense of order and predictability for all family members.

Chapter 2: Taming the Paper Tiger

This chapter focuses on managing household paperwork efficiently. It provides tips for sorting, filing, and discarding paper clutter, as well as strategies for digitizing documents.

Real-world Example: A family uses a three-tiered filing system for bills, receipts, and other important documents. They also scan important papers and store them digitally on a cloud drive.

Chapter 3: Cleaning with a Clear Conscience

This chapter introduces environmentally friendly cleaning practices that are both effective and safe for the family. It discusses the importance of using non-toxic cleaners and provides tips for reducing waste.

Real-world Example: A family uses a cleaning solution made from vinegar and water to clean windows and countertops. They also use reusable cleaning cloths and microfiber mops to minimize waste.

Chapter 4: The Art of Meal Planning

This chapter emphasizes the benefits of meal planning and provides strategies for creating weekly and monthly plans. It discusses meal ideas, grocery list creation, and tips for saving time in the kitchen.

Real-world Example: A family plans their meals for the week on Sundays. They use a meal planning app to create a grocery list and share it with each other. They cook meals in advance to save time during the week.

Chapter 5: Laundry: The Never-Ending Story

This chapter addresses the challenges of laundry and provides practical solutions for streamlining the process. It covers topics such as sorting, folding, and storage, as well as tips for saving time and energy.

Real-world Example: A family uses a laundry basket for each member of the household. They fold laundry as they take it out of the dryer to save time. They also store folded laundry in drawers or on shelves to keep it organized.

Chapter 6: Time Management for the Time-Starved

This chapter provides techniques for managing time effectively in a busy household. It discusses setting priorities, delegating tasks, and making the most of technology.

Real-world Example: A working parent uses a shared family calendar to track appointments and activities. They delegate tasks to their older children and use technology to automate routine tasks such as paying bills and grocery shopping.

Chapter 7: Decluttering Your Life and Your Space

This chapter explores the benefits of decluttering and provides practical strategies for reducing possessions. It discusses the concept of minimalism and introduces methods for organizing and storing belongings.

Real-world Example: A family holds a family meeting to discuss decluttering goals. They divide their belongings into three categories: keep, donate, and discard. They organize their remaining belongings using clear containers and vertical storage solutions.