Report!

I have to credit this blog post to my super-supportive husband. He started the reporting system in our household years ago to teach our children that the job's never done until you've reported back to the one who gave it to you. Whenever he gives our children a task to do, he finishes it with "... and report."

Example: Sam is super helpful at bedtime. Here's something you might hear: "Go get in the shower, pajamas, teeth, prayers and report."

Child: "Dad, reporting."

He's trained our children to do the task and then report back. Not only does he know that the job is complete, but more important, the child feels accountable to someone (Dad), making the likelihood of the assignment really being finished much greater.

So, he's rubbing off on me. The other day I said, "Spencer...get dressed, make your bed, sort the laundry and report." He smiled, did the task, came back and said, "Reporting, Mom". It was awesome!

NOTE: Sometimes it's best to give one task, have the child report and then assign the next, especially when the child is younger. Too many tasks at once can be overwhelming. Plus, I have a few forgetful ones.

Reporting...try it!

More to come, but until then...Stick-to-it!