Comments on: Focused Moms Challenge Week One Results

By: Emily

Emily — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 13:56:49 +0000

I SO know what you mean! I didn’t even realize that I said it until the other morning, my youngest ran up to me and asked if it has been longer than a minute…I was confused until I said, “yes”, and he promptly popped a piece of gum in his mouth! I don’t even remember him coming up to me the first time to ask! That was an eye opener for me!

By: Polly

Polly — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 13:21:42 +0000

LOVE LOVE LOVE that you moved your phone from your bedside to a bookcase. I have my phone by my bed and when I wake up I check my emails. Why on earth do we need to know about the latest Kroger special when we wake up? I want to move mine, but haven’t had the will power to do it yet. Baby steps! And I got a good chuckle out of your comment about having to fold the clothes and talk to the hubby. And what a great idea about spending some quality time with your four year old instead of chasing him around while trying to socialize and watch the older son’s game. Just doing one thing at a time is so much more peaceful and rewarding for you and your kids! So glad you’re in the challenge and appreciate your comments and ideas! Hopefully no more wind storms, but a good way to kick you into gear for week one for sure!

By: Polly

Polly — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 13:05:01 +0000

Great idea Robin to put away the iPad until your daughter is asleep. I agree, it’s so addictive. And those minutes do add up. It was really interesting for me too to see how when I stopped getting distracted that my household was better managed. The kids went to bed on time, the dishes got done, dinner was prepared, and even the laundry got washed (not all of it, but a lot more than usual!). Also, I went outside and played with my kids (without bringing my cell phone along) instead of me sitting on the computer while they played outside OR me going outside and taking my cell phone with me! And you know what, we had a great time! Thanks so much for your ideas and your comments. Glad you’re a part of our challenge!

By: Polly

Polly — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 13:00:48 +0000

It is a work in progress, and I’m so glad you’re along for the ride! I have been trying to curb my cell phone use too, especially in the car. But I agree I have given myself permission more times than I would like to admit this week to have an “emergency!” Don’t worry, in the next three weeks we’re going to be tackling how to get some of these distractions under our control. This week it has been more about being more aware or mindful of how they are influencing our lives (and parenting). Sounds like you’ve figured that one out pretty well! Thanks for sharing!

By: Polly

Polly — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 12:58:16 +0000

I had NO IDEA how often I said “in a minute” until I started this challenge. It’s actually quite sad. I seem to say it when I just want to buy some more time with my distractions and sometimes I even forget what I said “in a minute” about and then don’t follow through. Don’t worry, we’ll be addressing this more in the coming weeks. Right now it’s just about awareness! But I am shocked at some of the things I’m becoming aware of about my parenting!! Maybe Mommy needs some sassy spray when she says “in a minute!” LOL!

By: Polly

Polly — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 12:55:49 +0000

I love your restrictions! We all could learn from them. Substitute cell phone, laptop, iPad, whatever for the Kindle and you’ve got yourself a good list of rules to follow. And then best of all, you can reward yourself with reading your Kindle at other times. You’re catching on fast that it’s okay to have some indulgences and distractions as long as they are used in moderation and don’t get in the way of your time with other people or household tasks (LIKE MAKING DINNER!). I got a good laugh out of Zaxby’s taking a hit from the Focused Moms Challenge! Glad you’re a part of our challenge and thanks for commenting!

By: Polly

Polly — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 12:52:15 +0000

I love the idea of closing your laptop! It was harder for me to shut it entirely down, because I’m not the only one in the family that uses it. But, closing it would work. Also just seeing it closed would probably be a good reminder for me to go get focused on my kiddos or other people activities! I loved your blog post. Your successes were amazing. The things you’ve already learned in one week! Awesome! And the struggles are to be expected. Any type of change is hard and this one is a big one (I know, it’s been hard for me too!). Thanks for sharing with us and for being a part of the Focused Moms Challenge!

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 01:46:55 +0000

I wrote a blog post about a few of the things I learned from this week. It has definitely been tough. I’ve been trying to either log off my laptop or close it when I’m done. Just seeing it closed reminds me that I’m not supposed to spending so much time on it!
http://yosteli.blogspot.com/2011/04/week-one-results.html

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 01:45:30 +0000

I have also been noticing how much my little one says “in a minute” to me and it drives me crazy! I have realized that she picked it up from me and that I can’t expect her to drop whatever she is doing for me if I don’t do the same for her!

By: Amanda

Amanda — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 20:33:57 +0000

The main lesson I have learned this week is that I want to take “in a min.” out of my vocab!!!! I had no idea how many times I said that a day until I started paying attention. I also noticed to my horror that all three children (and hubby) say it all the time too! Wonder where they picked it up?????? I didnt bury my kindle…couldnt do it, i NEED it!! =) BUT I did give myself a list of “restrictions” that worked very well for me.
1. I will not be reading my kindle when my children get off the bus from school
2.I can not sit down to read if my dishes are dirty or my house is a wreck
3.I will not read if dinner has not been planned/cooked (& i cooked dinner 5 nights this week~i dont know how Zaxbys will stay in business)
4.I will not read while helping my children with homework or studying
5.While reading, I will never again “just a min.” my children so that i can finish the sentence/page/paragraph.(the handy thing about a kindle is you can leave it and it keeps your place for you!!!)
6.If my children/husband come into the room, I put the kindle away.
7.I will try not to ever miss an opportunity to spend time with my children just to find out wht happens next in a James Patterson book!