debt
The Stress of Being Superwoman
Let's face it, the term "Superwoman" may be a fallacy that does more harm than good. Do we really need to do it all — or is it okay if we can't? What is most important: doing everything right or doing the best we can with what really matters? Realizing that we can't be everything to everybody can make life seem less stressful. Here are some practical ways to help minimize stress.
First, if you're a busy stay-at-home mom, turn naptime into time for you! Don't feel pressured to do something productive every time you're faced with a block of free time. Relax, read, have a quiet time, watch a simple, enjoyable movie, take a bath or do something that makes you happy.
If you have older children, involve them in family decision-making and household chores. As your children reach school age, you may want to consider limiting after-school activities to one or two favorites. This can alleviate excessive running around, allowing more quality time for family. And it's always helpful to "bounce" things off other mothers with children in similar age brackets — to share experiences and concerns with and remind you that you aren't alone.
If you're a woman in the workforce, find ways to chat with other women about balancing and juggling things. Discuss shopping ideas (where to get the best deals in town), meal preparation (planning meals for the following week or fixing several meals and freezing them for the future), organizational tips (colorcoding a calendar with children's activities — pink for Gina, purple for Matt and green for Tim), or suggestions for fun things to do as a family. And praise the Lord for carpools!
Whether you're a stay-at-home mom or a woman in the workforce, we all need to learn to prioritize our time. Try making a chart or table to help you divide your time according to order of importance: God, family, work, friends, self, etc. If you're married, be sure and plan time with your spouse. Even if your relationship is healthy and good, your relationships with other family members will benefit immensely from the "date nights" you take — just the two of you. And when all is said and done, the best tip is to keep life simple, enjoy everyday pleasures. And don't get down on yourself when you can't do it all!
Background Information
The Road to Debt
Learn to guard against the four common causes of debt.
Save or Swim
Danger: Thin Ice. Most people wouldn't risk their physical safety. So why do we ignore the signs of a financial catastrophe?
Drowning in Debt
If you can't seem to catch your financial breath, you're not alone. Sadly, millions of Americans are credit card captives.
Questions and Answers
What is the biblical approach to possessions and money?
Answer
Review Frequently Asked Questions
Stories
Prosperity and Pain
Finding blessings in the midst of incredible financial trials.
Credit—Not So Priceless
Every month, we spent more than we made and our balances ballooned. But it didn't stop us from purchasing a new living room set. Who could resist? Little did we know: we were digging a financial grave.
Living in Secret Debt
There's a high price to pay for acquiring debt.
If you've been through a experience related to this topic, we invite you to share your story with others.Share Your Story
Other Things to Consider
Even Though We Ain't Got Money…
That phrase – live on love – kept bringing to mind a song they played on the radio when I was a kid. I scoffed at its utter lack of common sense.
Learning to Roll With Change
It's not the most fun you'll ever have, but the results are worth it.
Related Topics
Transitions: Changing Jobs, Moving
Relationships: Communication Gaps
Parenting Teens: Communication Problems
