This post is part of a series based on ‘Made to Stick’ by Chip and Dan Heath. While the Heath brothers write for a business audience, I feel that the principles in ‘Made to Stick’ can help us as we design stronger and more ‘Sticky’ families.
Keep it Simple by Knowing What to Exclude
When I was in elementary school, Mom and Dad and I sat down with a calendar of extra-curricular activities available at our school. These included a variety of sports, Boy Scouts, Judo, and Tae Kwan Do. They told me that I could participate in any activity I wanted, but I could only choose one activity per semester. I so wanted to go to Boy Scouts and Judo, but they were firm and I ultimately chose to attend Boy Scouts.
I didn’t really understand why they only let me choose one activity per semester until I had kids of my own.
Each activity adds stress on the family. Some stress is good and causes us to grow. Eventually, though, stress reaches a critical mass and begins to strain relationships. I watch families who have multiple children active in every sport and activity imaginable. Often, they have to split up the family to attend games in for different children that happen at the same time. These families don’t have time to breath.
Don’t get me wrong, there are a ton of good activities out there, but too much honey will make you sick to your stomach. I think that knowing what to exclude is an important part of having a family that sticks together. The Dave Ramsey Plan taught us what to exclude (and include) in our budget. Allowing only one extracurricular activity per child helps us know what to exclude in our schedule. Exclusion allows us time between activities to breathe and enjoy life. Exclusion helps us have the energy to talk as a family rather than sit in weary silence around the dinner table.
Knowing What to Exclude During the Holidays
Christi’s grandmother does a great job of exercising Exclusion during the holidays. She allows each grandchild to choose one favorite snack for her to make during the holiday. Everyone gets a chance to have something special, and Nanny doesn’t have to spend all her time in the kitchen.
Take a look at your budget, your schedule, and your plans for the holidays. What do you need to exclude so that your family has a better chance of sticking together?
