Oh, this topic is near and dear to my heart. We are in a similar situation to you. My sons are 8 and 5 and on top of being home-bodies who don’t like group activities much (like organized sports and such), we have several health problems that make it challenging to get out and about on a regular basis (mostly b/c of my fatigue). The thing is, though, we rather like our simple life. The main thing that makes me worried is just what you said, is it enough? Is it healthy? So, I have spent a lot of time praying about the topic and will share what thoughts I’ve had. I have a feeling this could get long…sorry in advance, lol
It’s an odd feeling not having someone to compare ourselves too. I mean, we can no longer look at the culture to see if our families are “normal” and “healthy.” We can look at other Christian families, but even that requires discernment because the culture has invaded the church in many ways. So how can we know what our family is supposed to look like? How do we know what things to change and what things to keep? First step—ask God! He knows!
Pray. God says in Ephesians that we are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them. (and no, I didn’t have that memorized that well…I wish…just googled it, lol). So He has plans for you which means He also has plans for your family. Ask Him for wisdom. Ask Him for insight into what to change and what to keep the same.
Read the Word! Go to the Bible and see what God has to say about families. We know the most important role as parents: to teach God’s commands diligently to our children. To talk about them when we sit and when we go and when we lie down and when we get up (somewhere in Deuteronomy
![Smile :-)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
. And Proverbs talks so much about disciplining our children and teaching them God’s wisdom (the fear of the Lord). And you can teach those most important things right at home, just the way things are! And the great thing about teaching our children God’s commands is, the natural bi-product is good social skills. Love your neighbor as yourself (be willing to play your sisters game even though you don’t want to). Love your enemy (don’t hit your little brother back when he tattles on you). Don’t be greedy (share). Don’t envy (i.e. don’t rip that toy you want out of your brother’s hands). Be kind, humble, patient, etc. Teaching our children to be like Jesus will lead to children who are naturally able to love all people, just as Jesus did—from the richest to the poorest. So that should be top priority! We don’t need more activities to learn good social skills, we just need a good example—and Jesus is perfect!!
But what about putting those skills into practice. I imagine they get quite a lot of practice just between the three of them. Three year olds are wonderful for teaching older siblings patience and self control are they not!?!?! lol. And even siblings who are the best of friends have cranky days and days when they don’t agree. Wonderful chance to put those commands into practice!
Outside of that, though, remember that as Christians, we are a part of a larger family—the family of God. God’s Word has some things to say about how His family is supposed to look too. We are supposed to worship together, carry each other’s burdens (which means knowing other believers and serving them) and we’re supposed to make disciples of all nations. So pray about that. How is your family doing as a part of the body of believers? If God leads you, as the parents, to increase your time serving other believers and ministering in the community, take your children with you. Let them see you obeying God’s commands in practice…and it will likely give them a chance to do so too. And if they choose to follow Jesus, then as they get older, they can start taking more responsibility in God’s family too—doing their own ministry and service. As for now, they are still young, and ministry with a 3 yr old is probably a teeny bit challenging. God might give you peace that this IS your ministry right now. Making disciples of them!
![Smile :-)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
But, as God leads, there might be opportunities that come up to expand outside of your home. Helping at a food pantry stocking cans (3 yr old might be able to do that, lol), picking up debris in a neighbor’s yard after a storm, etc. These are not only wonderful social interactions, but a chance to share God’s love and possibly make longterm friends too.
I think we have to be careful not to fall into the mindset of the culture. It seems to place such a high value on children being with other children and having fun together. Now, there’s nothing wrong with that. The Bible is clear that it is okay to enjoy our lives and kids having fun together is a joy for everyone! But it shouldn’t be our top priority. Besides, it sounds like your kiddos have a lot of fun together anyway, so you can probably check off your fun box already!
All that to say, I would take some time to seek God. Then, rest in peace knowing that He will guide you! In the meantime, focus on what’s most important—teaching them about Him! He’ll let you know if anything else needs to be added!