Nov 11 2008
Changing Diapers and Changing my Standards
When our family started homeschooling 12 years ago, I had a toddler and a baby in diapers. We had always used cloth diapers because my husband and I really believe in the environmental benefits of avoiding disposable whenever possible. But knowing that homeschooing would be a huge time commitment, we realized that something had to go. It was the cloth diapers that had to go, and with them, all the time consuming factors of more frequent diaper changes, washing, drying, folding, and putting away.
I lamented this change to my friend, partly because I felt I throwing in the towel, losing a battle, giving up soething I believed in. But I also, liked cloth diapers. I liked hanging them on the line – they were all the same size and shape, they felt wholesome. It was very satisfying.
I felt I was lowering my standards. My wise friends Valerie said, ”No, you’re not lowering your standards, you are changing your standards.”
That statement, years ago has helped me deal with other changes through the years. Sometimes, there are very few options and something has to go. By applying this philosophy, of changing, not lowering my standards, the decisions hold less disappointment and fewer guilty emotions. Thanks, Valerie.
