by Laura Kycek
Habits of the Household by Justin Whitmel Earley is the handbook every parent needs. I wish I had when our boys were younger; however, the principles outlined in this book are not just for parents of young children. In fact, I would say this book is for anyone involved in the life of a child. While every chapter may not be applicable, there are many principles laid out to help any adult form a meaningful relationship with a child. This book helps form parents, form children, and form families. Chapters engage readers in topics ranging from waking to bedtime, mealtimes to playtimes, work habits and play habits. He addresses the importance of a strong marriage and how to handle screentime. Whether you are parenting an infant, toddlers, tweens, or adult children – this book has great grab and go principles to draw families closer together. And I pray this book will cause you to evaluate habits in your own life as it did for me.
The title of this book grabbed right away, but the subtitles pulled me even closer – “Practicing the story of God in everyday family rhythms.” Good golly – I love rhythm, good habits, and organization. Not an easy task for any parent, but oh my! The payoff is worth it! Earley says in establishing rhythms, they are, “routines of worship and worship changes what we love.” Anyone reading this check their phone first thing upon waking? It’s ok, my hand is raised too. Earley states, “When the first thing I do in the morning is rollover, grab my phone and begin scanning work emails, I wake to the monsters of performance. The story of reality is about what I can accomplish today and whether I can justify my existence. When I begin my morning in social media, I wake to the monsters of comparison and envy.” Ooph! Gut punch. I am guilty of doom scrolling early in the morning under the guise of “I’m just waking up. Coffee hasn’t set in yet.” We need to “wake up to how we wake up.” Our call in the story of God is not simply to wake up our bodies each day but to awaken our hearts to God’s love.
You may be saying – “is this just another ‘rule’ book for parenting that I’m not going to be able to follow.” I hear you, weary parent. We do not need one more thing to add to our list. The Latin root for the word ‘rule’ means a framework or trellis. If you’ve planted a garden and know the benefit of a trellis for climbing plants, you know a trellis helps the plant to flourish rather than choke it off. Think of Habits of the Household as the same thing: a framework that allows life within the family to flourish.
Parenting in the trenches of sleepless nights? Parenting during a busy season of sports practices and evening commitments? Parenting a teenager and trying to have a decent conversation? This book is for you. This book is easy to read (or listen to) on the go. And I bet you’ll be laughing at a few of the stories the author shares of his own parent trevails. Redeem your time alone in the car after school drop off or waiting for sports practice to wrap up. Underline this book. Dog ear a page with a helpful tip. Undoubtedly coffee or a sippy cup of milk will be spilled on it. Pull it out of the bottom of the diaper bag. If any of those scenarios sounded like your life – this book is for you!
Laura Kycek (key-check) is a SE MN native and has been attending Calvary since 2013. Wife to Michael and mom to Andrew and Benjamin, she loves reading, embroidery, all things Disney, and snuggling with their dogs. Laura has been involved with Children’s Ministry at Calvary in various avenues: VBS, Sunday school, Awana and much more.