Pegs and Family Rhythm

"Pegs" is a humane time organizational model that offers order as well as flexibility. I first came across the term and idea of pegs years ago through the CCM list. This is my take on pegs, which may look very different from others' understanding.

We have daily pegs connected to the clock and calendar. For example, at 7:30 a.m., the older children rise and start their morning routine, at noon we have lunch, at 8:00 p.m. we prepare for bed. We also have daily pegs connected to activities. We pray at every meal, read while I nurse on the couch, and watch an educational DVD while eating lunch. We have weekly, monthly, and yearly pegs connected to the clock and calendar as well as to activities. More specifics to come in later posts.

Some family schedules, often strictly clock/calendar based, can be too tight leaving little room for reality and Grace. Family members can feel needlessly burdened and chronically "behind." Some family schedules, often activity directed, can be too loose,leaving to much room for chaos and lack of discipline. Family members can feel disjointed and at the mercy of whims.

No schedule is perfect and ours is ever changing to accommodate new needs, but a good rhythm offers both order and flexibility. Pegs, combined with right priorities, isn't too tight, isn't too loose...but juuuuuust right.