Thumbs up for 'Sponsible Kids!

A 4 year old's take on responsibility....14 Years Ago:

"Mommy, Baby pinched her fingers in the drawer. 

I opened the drawer when she was crying.  

 And she spilled water on the table so I got a towel and wiped it up.  

 That’s me being ‘sponsible, huh Mom?”

Write-downable from 1998

Teaching children the principle of responsibility requires searching for opportunities for responsible behavior to shine. Many times those occasions conveniently present themselves, and all that is required is to take advantage of it.

My five year old son is an active boy who wants to DO things that require action. It seems he would rather tackle a project that Mom gives him than to play with toys or watch a movie. Thus, I try to look for things that he can take ownership of and when finished, feel a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. It's even better when the project is something that really needs to be done, and I don't have to do it!!

Our four year old daughter is the same way. Anything that involves food, she is there, wanting to assist. So many mothers struggle with cooking with their children and would rather "do it myself". Simple tasks to hand over to an eager-to-learn child teach the principle of responsibility, as well as the needed job. The more my children know how to do, the less I have to do because the work is divided and conquered.

Some examples this month:

Quesadilla Making
I taught these two to put together a quesadilla. No, they didn't cook them. It didn't save me time (this time) for them to make them. In fact, it probably took four times longer than it would have if I had just done it. But that's not the point. I LOVE seeing my children learn new things and have confidence in their knowledge and abilities.

Watermelon Serving
Give her a bowl of cut up watermelon and some plates and let her serve-it-up! A task is accomplished, hand-eye coordination is developed, and she is so excited about doing it. Perfect combination! Last night, I asked her to put away the left over pineapple. She got a container out of the cupboard, scooped it up and put it in the refrigerator. Awesome!

Shredding
A few weeks ago, my shredding box was completely full. It needed to be emptied into a bag to hand over to the shredding company. 

NOTE: This is the best way to handle your shredding needs. Don't buy a shredder. They get clogged and overheated and broken. Office shredders cannot handle our output, so once or twice per year we call up the shredding truck (coined by my kids) and it picks up our documents that need to be disposed of. One call, one bill. 

This is a task that almost any child can do so why not have them do it?! This guy fetched the garbage bag and went to town with the job.

Involve your children. It will pay off for you and for them. The little acts of responsibility when they're young will turn into big acts of responsibility when they're older! All those years of little things have given that four year old from long ago (see the write-downable at the top) the opportunity to work his way to college. Yes, I admit, I couldn't resist stalking my son while he was working. How rewarding it is to see the fulfillment of all those years of teaching and training! He really is being 'sponsible!

Today's Stick-to-it Tip: Simple and consistent opportunities create a responsible, Stick-to-it Kid! Search them out and embrace the moments. Thumbs up for 'sponsible kids!

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

The Bitter/Sweet 17 Month Perspective

"Well it's hard to say goodbye and let go,
and it's hard to see it end
When the memories we just made may never happen again.

But it's harder for time to ever replace the together times we shared.
So when we're apart, remember, all the fun we had together.
And for all that love, thank the Lord above who showed us, the way...."

Michael Mclean - Together Forever

When my first two children were born only 17 months apart, I was nervous. I recall thinking, "How can I take care of two babies at the same time?" They were both babies, yet at different stages and with different needs. It was a challenge, but I was young and full of energy and we made it work. 

I was just a baby myself!

Those two little rascals were the best of friends. She taught him how to press the buttons on the VCR. He taught her how to play "war" in the basement. She knew ALL the rules. He knew half of the rules. They planned sneak-a-ways together and dug themselves into the neighbor's backyard oasis. 

It really has been bitter-sweet having them so close. We rejoiced when we had our first babysitter and then our second just 17 months later. Celebrations continued when our oldest daughter obtained her driver's license and then our son followed, 17 months later. Three drivers in the house! Now that truly was something to rejoice over! She was graduated in 2011. He followed in 2012.

Now, just like sister, we are "losing" him to his next step in life...Brigham Young University. Again, Bitter/Sweet. The 17 months was sweet when we needed babysitters, but it's slightly bitter when it's time to say goodbye and let go. Yet the sweetness outweighs the bitter. It always does. We couldn't be more happy and excited for his success and the new adventures that await.

Wednesday was move-in day. 

I wrote a letter that morning to tuck into a care package we prepared for him. 

Tears fell as I wrote. I got them all out so when the time to say goodbye came, I had no more to shed. In fact, relief was the emotion of the afternoon...relief that we got him to this point, that the college preparation chaos was coming to an end, attentions could turn to other family matters and members, and "normal" life would return. The first three have occurred; the latter has not.

Some of my Stick-to-it Tips to my son...

• Remember, Remember the things you have been taught and the principles you know are true. Stay true to those things and you will be safe. Remember, true safety and freedom comes from keeping the commandments. 
• Those you keep company with will help mold you. You will develop many of the attributes of those you spend time with. It is crucial that you choose friends wisely and look for those who will uplift you and make you a better person. Also, it’s important to be that person, too, so you will attract people that seek for goodness. 
• You have worked tirelessly to get to this place in life. Many have sacrificed that you can be here. Use your time wisely. Take your classes and studies seriously. You have worked your way to BYU. Be wise with your resources – your time, money, talents, and abilities. 
• Be good to your roommates. Love them and serve them. Look out for their needs and put them above your own. This is a practice ground for your mission.  Roommates are together sometimes. Companions are together always. 
•  Don’t forget about your siblings. They love you so much and look up to you with great admiration. Keep them in your prayers, call them, email, text. Remember their birthdays. You don’t have to spend money. Your time and attention is all they want. 
• Remember, we are always here for you. We are excited for this time in your life, but just because you’re leaving, it doesn’t mean we’ve left you. You can count on us, just like you have throughout your entire life. 
  
• Pray for assistance in balancing your time. You have many things that you can spend your time on. Pray every day that you will spend your time wisely and you’ll be able to accomplish the most important things.
• And a few random things…Minimize eating out. Don’t do your homework on Sunday and you will be blessed. Since you live farther away, spend your time on campus as you need and then go home for the day; minimize the times going back and forth. Do your home teaching! Make a lot of friends, but don’t forget those that have been there for you at crucial times in your life. Don’t forget to lock up your bike! Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions. That is how you learn and progress. Eat salad at least three times per week…it’s good for your poohs.  (Thanks, Dad, for that bit of advice to your posterity)

Yes, he's ready and he's excited!!!

Moving in? First Step - Make your bed. (I did it for him)

Roommates!

Good thing we got him a first aid kit! He needed it after ten minutes. Remember your pocket knife safety!!

You achieved your goal!!

Now, go get 'em...I have a feeling you won't lack for fun and excitement!

What will the next 17 months bring?? Whatever it is, I can count on it being bitter/sweet.

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