We had a great interview today on Liberty Roundtable - www.libertynewsradio.com.
Thanks, Sam and Curt!
Friday, November 13, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
"The Form"
Before I even begin, let me just say, "I love my teenagers!" They are delightful, fun, enjoyable and amazing people. They just need guidance, love, boundaries, discussions, reasoning, time, trust, and more, much more.
In our home, we don't believe in our children leaving without knowing where they're going, who they're going to be with, when they'll be home, etc, etc. In guiding our children towards increased responsibility, my husband introduced "The Form".
"The Form" was created by our teenagers and Dad. It is a list of questions that need to be answered before we give the OK for a particular event; questions like: "Who is driving?", "How much money will it cost?", "Who is going?", "Where will it take place?". Let me tell you now, my teenagers were not excited about this, but they know their Dad, and he's very lenient when you're responsible, thorough, self-governed and helpful, so they went along.
At first it seemed kind of goofy, but "The Form" has accomplished many things...
1. When a child asks if they can do something, they know we're going to say "Where's the form". They've learned to figure out all the questions before asking if they can do something. It has taught them to gather the information and present it in a logical fashion.
2. Our children have their events well planned; no more last minute phone calls from the movie theater such as, "Can you pick us up". They are more organized and thus, their events go more smoothly.
3. As parents, we have all of the information we need to make an informed decision. I don't want my children going to a movie if I don't know what they're going to see. (Now, more than ever, is this vital!)
4. We know what our children are doing! We feel comfortable with who they are with and where they are going. We're "in the know" and I love it.
FYI - "The Form" isn't always a physical piece of paper. Sometimes it's an email or an oral explanation, but the key components are there for us to make our decision and for our children to have a fantastic time.
No, our children have not given us "The Form" when Mom and Dad go out together. I'm sure it's just a matter of time...
More to come, but until then...Stick-to-it!
In our home, we don't believe in our children leaving without knowing where they're going, who they're going to be with, when they'll be home, etc, etc. In guiding our children towards increased responsibility, my husband introduced "The Form".
"The Form" was created by our teenagers and Dad. It is a list of questions that need to be answered before we give the OK for a particular event; questions like: "Who is driving?", "How much money will it cost?", "Who is going?", "Where will it take place?". Let me tell you now, my teenagers were not excited about this, but they know their Dad, and he's very lenient when you're responsible, thorough, self-governed and helpful, so they went along.
At first it seemed kind of goofy, but "The Form" has accomplished many things...
1. When a child asks if they can do something, they know we're going to say "Where's the form". They've learned to figure out all the questions before asking if they can do something. It has taught them to gather the information and present it in a logical fashion.
2. Our children have their events well planned; no more last minute phone calls from the movie theater such as, "Can you pick us up". They are more organized and thus, their events go more smoothly.
3. As parents, we have all of the information we need to make an informed decision. I don't want my children going to a movie if I don't know what they're going to see. (Now, more than ever, is this vital!)
4. We know what our children are doing! We feel comfortable with who they are with and where they are going. We're "in the know" and I love it.
FYI - "The Form" isn't always a physical piece of paper. Sometimes it's an email or an oral explanation, but the key components are there for us to make our decision and for our children to have a fantastic time.
No, our children have not given us "The Form" when Mom and Dad go out together. I'm sure it's just a matter of time...
More to come, but until then...Stick-to-it!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
The Gunnysack Man
We came across this fun little book;
My children said, "Let's take a look".
"Mom, Mom, let's read it right now."
After reading it, they simply said, "Wow".
"I want to try it", our little girl said.
She ran to her room and made her bed.
"Do you think he'll come to our house?"
"Maybe, if you're quiet as a mouse."
This is a fun book that motivates children to keep their room clean. Here's another plug for creativity - it really gets children excited to work! My two little ones like to read it again and again...they like to learn about Karen and Ruth Anne.
More to come, but until then...Stick-to-it!
My children said, "Let's take a look".
"Mom, Mom, let's read it right now."
After reading it, they simply said, "Wow".
"I want to try it", our little girl said.
She ran to her room and made her bed.
"Do you think he'll come to our house?"
"Maybe, if you're quiet as a mouse."
More to come, but until then...Stick-to-it!
Sunday, November 8, 2009
The Cell Phone Dilemma
In this age of instant contact and a desire for the safety of your children, I can understand the need for parents to give their children a cell phone. But, I think it's gone too far, especially when children as young as 8 years old have their own phone with texting capabilities. I could go on and on about my opinions in this matter, but the reason for this post is to give an alternative to each child in your family having their own cell phone.
In our family, Mom and Dad have their own phones and for the children we have family phones. The family phones can be checked out with permission, to take on dates, dances, out with friends, to the store, etc. This provides a phone for the child for safety issues and ease of communication. Yet, it limits the extreme use of texting, gaming and talking on the phone. A certain child never has a certain phone, preventing the "girl that calls all the time" from getting to your son; rather, half the time little sister will answer instead. Parents are able to better monitor calls that are coming and going. Texting is not on our family communication plan.
No, this method may not be for everyone, but it keeps the phone for the purpose it was intended - a tool for proper communication, not a toy for fun and games. There is enough media distraction in our children's lives already. Let's not add more complication to the mix.
More to come, but until then - Stick-to-it!
In our family, Mom and Dad have their own phones and for the children we have family phones. The family phones can be checked out with permission, to take on dates, dances, out with friends, to the store, etc. This provides a phone for the child for safety issues and ease of communication. Yet, it limits the extreme use of texting, gaming and talking on the phone. A certain child never has a certain phone, preventing the "girl that calls all the time" from getting to your son; rather, half the time little sister will answer instead. Parents are able to better monitor calls that are coming and going. Texting is not on our family communication plan.
No, this method may not be for everyone, but it keeps the phone for the purpose it was intended - a tool for proper communication, not a toy for fun and games. There is enough media distraction in our children's lives already. Let's not add more complication to the mix.
More to come, but until then - Stick-to-it!
Friday, November 6, 2009
Make it a Game
I'm behind on sock matching. Sound Familiar? Right now my unmatched sock container is a huge rubbermaid bucket, you know, one you would store your children's outgrown clothes in. Yes, that's how many unmatched socks we have right now. Of course, today, my 3 year old son decided to dump the socks all over my bedroom floor. Here's the moment of truth. Do I:
1. Get upset and tell him to clean them up (which most likely will not get accomplished)
2. Get upset when he doesn't clean them up and do it myself.
3. Make it a game and see what happens.
This is what we did...
First of all, he loves basketball (yes, he has three older brothers). I told him, "Let's shoot them into the bucket and see how many points we can make". He immediately got into it. He grabbed handfulls of socks and threw them into the "hoop". With every shot we'd say "two points" or "three points". We even got into some slam-dunking.
It took three minutes to clean up. He had fun doing it but it instilled in him the concept of "if you make a mess, you clean it up." I had fun as well, and I didn't lose my cool.
Hey, I didn't realize I was so good at "basketball"!
More to come, but until then...Stick-to-it!
1. Get upset and tell him to clean them up (which most likely will not get accomplished)
2. Get upset when he doesn't clean them up and do it myself.
3. Make it a game and see what happens.
This is what we did...
First of all, he loves basketball (yes, he has three older brothers). I told him, "Let's shoot them into the bucket and see how many points we can make". He immediately got into it. He grabbed handfulls of socks and threw them into the "hoop". With every shot we'd say "two points" or "three points". We even got into some slam-dunking.
It took three minutes to clean up. He had fun doing it but it instilled in him the concept of "if you make a mess, you clean it up." I had fun as well, and I didn't lose my cool.
Hey, I didn't realize I was so good at "basketball"!
More to come, but until then...Stick-to-it!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Give 'em a Box
My diaper shipment just came to the door - a huge box from Diapers.com. I love that website...order diapers and other supplies on Wednesday morning, they get delivered the next day; not only are they fast but their prices are competitive.
After unpacking the box, I put the product away and come back to find my two little tigers playing in the box. This doesn't surprise me, for the big box is a standard toy at our house. Give them a box and their imagination runs wild. It becomes a car, a ship, a soda-pop machine, a refrigerator, a bunker, a swimming pool..you get the idea.
Best of all - the box is free. Yes, toys are nice, but not necessary when some good, old fashioned, long term fun is in store. Teach your children to be content with simple things, not fancy and expensive items that break or fall apart.
One other plus - cleanup is nice and easy!
More to come, but until then...Stick-to-it!
After unpacking the box, I put the product away and come back to find my two little tigers playing in the box. This doesn't surprise me, for the big box is a standard toy at our house. Give them a box and their imagination runs wild. It becomes a car, a ship, a soda-pop machine, a refrigerator, a bunker, a swimming pool..you get the idea.
And for little ones, sometimes the fun is just climbing in and out, in and out.
Best of all - the box is free. Yes, toys are nice, but not necessary when some good, old fashioned, long term fun is in store. Teach your children to be content with simple things, not fancy and expensive items that break or fall apart.
One other plus - cleanup is nice and easy!
More to come, but until then...Stick-to-it!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
That's Nice
Child: "I want some water!"... Parent: "That's nice."
Child: "I want some water!"... Parent: "That's nice."
Child: "I have some water please?"... Parent: "Sure!!"
I love using this tactic. It promotes thinking. "Why isn't Mom getting me water?" "Hmmmm, why is Mom saying 'That's nice'?" Sometimes they get it the first time. Sometimes two or three. Once they get it, they smile and realize, "I need to ask properly." When they do, enthusiasm is key; it encourages the proper attitude and kind language. Give it a try!
More to come, but until then...Stick-to-it!
Child: "I want some water!"... Parent: "That's nice."
Child: "I have some water please?"... Parent: "Sure!!"
I love using this tactic. It promotes thinking. "Why isn't Mom getting me water?" "Hmmmm, why is Mom saying 'That's nice'?" Sometimes they get it the first time. Sometimes two or three. Once they get it, they smile and realize, "I need to ask properly." When they do, enthusiasm is key; it encourages the proper attitude and kind language. Give it a try!
More to come, but until then...Stick-to-it!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
A Little Reverse-Psychology...
I'm always looking for little things my children can do to instill responsibility while getting a task accomplished that is needed, not to mention give them a lift in the self-esteem arena.
Today I asked my 5 year old and 3 year old to get the clothes out of the dryer and bring them upstairs. Both of them immediately said it was too hard. After hearing their complaints for a minute I said, "You're right. It's too hard. Both of you are too little and you're definitely not strong enough!"
Right away they said, "I'm not little...I'm big...I'm strong...I can do it." They ran downstairs to do the job. I could hear some grunts and the dryer door close. I could hear them struggling together to carry the hamper full of clothes up the stairs. When they got to the top, all tired out from this overwhelming task, they ran into the bedroom, shouting, "We did it, we did it."
Yes, they did it! They were responsible, they accomplished the job and they felt good about themselves. Good job! (And I didn't have to go switch the laundry :) )
More to come, but until then...Stick-to-it!
Today I asked my 5 year old and 3 year old to get the clothes out of the dryer and bring them upstairs. Both of them immediately said it was too hard. After hearing their complaints for a minute I said, "You're right. It's too hard. Both of you are too little and you're definitely not strong enough!"
Right away they said, "I'm not little...I'm big...I'm strong...I can do it." They ran downstairs to do the job. I could hear some grunts and the dryer door close. I could hear them struggling together to carry the hamper full of clothes up the stairs. When they got to the top, all tired out from this overwhelming task, they ran into the bedroom, shouting, "We did it, we did it."
Yes, they did it! They were responsible, they accomplished the job and they felt good about themselves. Good job! (And I didn't have to go switch the laundry :) )
More to come, but until then...Stick-to-it!
Monday, November 2, 2009
An Equitable Solution
Do you have a room in your home that seems to get used so much that it gets messy often and easily? That's my family room; where the TV is as well as the most square footage for playing with toys and good old horse play. Thus, it gets messy, especially when my older children are gone and the younger ones have a hay day. We've gone through times where one child is responsible for that room but it's overwhelming for them, and for me. Now, we've come up with an equitable solution for the chore that nobody wants to have.
First option - do it together. Synergy is definitely working for us when the whole family takes ten minutes to do a group cleanup. It's amazing how much can get done!
Second option - assign a time limit or an item count. Each child in our family has a chore entitled "Dad's Choice" which is usually 1. Spend ten minutes on the family room or 2. Pickup 50 things in the family room (Or whatever number based on necessity).
These options can work for any task in your home. We've used it for yard work, organizing food storage, matching socks, kitchen cleanup, folding laundry, etc. Create an equitable solution in your home and see what can be accomplished.
More to come, but until then...Stick-to-it!
First option - do it together. Synergy is definitely working for us when the whole family takes ten minutes to do a group cleanup. It's amazing how much can get done!
Second option - assign a time limit or an item count. Each child in our family has a chore entitled "Dad's Choice" which is usually 1. Spend ten minutes on the family room or 2. Pickup 50 things in the family room (Or whatever number based on necessity).
These options can work for any task in your home. We've used it for yard work, organizing food storage, matching socks, kitchen cleanup, folding laundry, etc. Create an equitable solution in your home and see what can be accomplished.
More to come, but until then...Stick-to-it!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
My Halloween Philosophy
Halloween is definitely not my favorite holiday. I cannot stand the thought of a month long Halloween celebration; it seems like October 1st rolls around and the costumes come out or the costume requests. Several years ago I decided to do it differently and it was the best thing I've ever done!
Three days before Halloween we get out the costume boxes. The children decide what they want to be based on what we have in the boxes. Usually the younger children are fine with this. If the older children want to buy a fancy costume, it's on their dime. If any of them need an accessory for their costume, we make one trip to the local "costume-land" to pick it up.
Once their decision is made, we stick with it. No changing costumes or whining to be something else. With 8 children, this simplifies life immensely. I'm not dealing with costumes scattered all over the house for the month of October nor am I thinking about Halloween all month long. I think about it for 3 days and that's that.
This year we had an EMT, a seven dwarf, a BYU football fan, Paul Bunyon, an indian, a Butterfly, a fireman and a princess.
And now....we can relax!
More to come, but until then...Stick-to-it!
Three days before Halloween we get out the costume boxes. The children decide what they want to be based on what we have in the boxes. Usually the younger children are fine with this. If the older children want to buy a fancy costume, it's on their dime. If any of them need an accessory for their costume, we make one trip to the local "costume-land" to pick it up.
Once their decision is made, we stick with it. No changing costumes or whining to be something else. With 8 children, this simplifies life immensely. I'm not dealing with costumes scattered all over the house for the month of October nor am I thinking about Halloween all month long. I think about it for 3 days and that's that.
This year we had an EMT, a seven dwarf, a BYU football fan, Paul Bunyon, an indian, a Butterfly, a fireman and a princess.
And now....we can relax!
More to come, but until then...Stick-to-it!
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