My favorite lesson to do with my four-year-olds was on the book “How Full is Your Bucket? … for Kids.”
The concept is that every person has a bucket.
At any given moment our bucket could be full, running out, or empty. The book shows ways in which we empty and fill each other’s buckets.
The takeaway for the class was that in a kind and loving community we spend time filling each other’s buckets with love and kindness and in return our bucket becomes full also.
This book really tries to teach children empathy. To treat others how they want to be treated. To look out for others and also yourself.
When becoming a mother I remember other mothers constantly telling me “you can’t care for others unless you care for yourself.”
I feel like as moms we never really take the time to sit down and check on our buckets. Are they full? What are ways we can fill them? Is there something in my life draining my bucket?
It is true. You cannot pour from an empty bucket.
So communicating the status of my own bucket with my husband has become a top priority in my house. We have taken the time to really sit down and share ways we can fill each other’s buckets. My husband may find the words and concept a little cheesy but he does love the days I go out of my way to fill his bucket.
So. Have you ever really sat down and written out what fills your bucket?
I did. I spent time making a list of things that fill my bucket so when I start to feel low I know exactly what to do.
Some of the things that fill me up are:
- Sharing chores with my husband
- Taking Henry to Tumbles
- A Lauren Daigle dance party with Henry
- Binging a chick flick
- A bubble bath with uninterrupted scroll time
- TV time with my husband
- Mass as a family
- Cooking a good meal and watching my boys eat seconds and thirds
- Casual Friday night take out play dates
- Cleaning and purging
I’ve become aware that sometimes filling others’ buckets also fills mine. I’ve also become aware that sometimes alone time is key. It is a game changer to have a list on hand of how to fill my bucket. I find my husband sometimes suggesting these things when he begins to notice I’m slowing down. Because of this open communication and constant awareness of bucket levels- all the DeLarue buckets seem to stay full.
When beginning the open communication about buckets in my household my husband helped me come to the realization that sometimes, certain people or activities in our lives empty our buckets without ever refilling them. This is a heavy realization for some to make.
This could be relationships that are all give and no take. Activities that you feel obligated to do but don’t truly enjoy. Routines that you find yourself in and do not remember the purpose of. You may already be aware of things in your life that drain your bucket. You may find it hard to walk away from them.
But at the end of the day- I look at my little family and my amazing friends and I remind myself that “you cannot pour from an empty bucket.”
I cannot love and care for my family and friends the way I want to if I am running on E.
So cut out those people or activities. Replace them with something that fills your own bucket. You will be better off from it.
