Harmony is defined as the quality of forming a pleasing and consistent whole  of simultaneous combinations. Simultaneous combinations define family!

What combinations do you live with in your family? Know the personality types you’re combining. One person is a morning person and another is an evening person. A perfectionist and a casual temperament. People who, once differences are realized can work to harmonize strengths and minimize differences.

Picture a household with a chaotic morning. Lunches being made, clothes half on children as arms pull out of sleeves grabbing toys for the ride to a caregiver. Children dividing and conquering parents as parents strive to prepare themselves and remember all that is necessary for the day!

How does this picture become more harmonious?

Who is the night person? They can prepare the lunches the night before as well as  breakfast sandwiches for the morning. Backpack packing, great for the night person.  Perfectionist? They can pick the 2 (only two) clothing choices in the morning, do hair and brush teeth.

Keep screens and activities in bins away from children so noone has to say “No” and the morning may become more harmonious.

Children. Every one is different. Does your child wake up quickly or come alive at night? Use these strengths. For the night owl allow them, age appropriately, to help pack their backpack or lunchbox in the evening. For the morning child make sure they have their clothes ready for them to jump into when they get up. They’ll have more time to eat breakfast or find your shoes!

Is every family member a breakfast eater? If not, honor that. Fo those family members, be sure to pack a nutritious snack that will keep energy up before luch. These can be prepackaged for convenience.

Synchronizing the family components into a harmonious flow will not always happen yet when it does it                            Jacqueline Downing                                       www.confidentparentingstrategies.com