The 5:49 AM Wakeup Call

Midnight...

Mom is given a request.

Has the Mom lost her memory?

Daughter truly thinks so. 

When the dawn comes

The memory just might be there.

Thus, a cute sign... helps her out!

(Think Cats)

D#3: "Mom, will you wake me up at 5:49 AM? I have to finish my homework."

Right....she's 8 years old, going to bed at 10:30 PM and she's going to get up at 5:49 AM? I've been surprised before, but I'll be really surprised if this really happens. 

Mom: "Honey, that's pretty early. Are you sure?"

D#3: "Yes, Mom. I need to catch up on my work from being sick."

Mom: "OK, I'll try to remember."

I always use that disclaimer so if I don't wake them up, they will recall that I warned them of my inability to remember due to Mom-Overload.

As I was going to bed, I discovered the following:

In my Bathroom

On my Dresser

 She didn't want to rely on my memory! She was really serious about this!

This morning, I found these:

On my Desk

On the kitchen cupboard

At 6:00 AM, I made my way to her bedroom. I was a little late 'cause I was sleeping at 5:49. This is what I found...

I tried to wake up Sleeping Beauty...Nothing! She wouldn't budge. I decided to take a video to prove that I indeed did try to wake her up as requested.

An hour later I tried again. I told her I took a video of me waking her up. She watched it and we laughed when we heard the root-toot-toots in the video. She got up at 6:49AM. Only one hour later!

Thoughts:

• When your child is serious about something, try to accommodate. Even if she doesn't respond, at least she'll know you made the effort for her.
• The signs worked! She is brilliant!!
• There is something so peaceful about a sleeping child. It's just wrong to wake her!
• We really need to go to bed earlier!
• So happy that she cares enough about her school work to get up early and work on it.

Thanks for the memory-jogging tool, sweetie. Now, how do I remember all the other things I need to do today?

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

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 Learning Experience

Just cover it up with a paper towel...nobody will notice!

My two boys were babysitting the other night and did a fabulous job! However, the next morning, I found this on the floor in the kitchen...

Suspicious paper towel with an odd-looking stain on it

I picked up the paper towel and found this:

Brown, messy piles always have me concerned

I immediately smelled the brown disaster; phew, smells like chocolate. I decided to wait for my sons to wake up to get their take on how this lovely, mystery mess ended up on the kitchen floor.

Once they staggered out of bed, I directed them to the paper towel. They immediately smiled and acted innocent. "Give me the drill", I quickly exclaimed. By the way, that's not a question.

Here's the drill...

Boys: "We were getting ice cream for everyone but we didn't have any hot fudge. We didn't want to make any so we decided to melt chocolate chips in the microwave. The chocolate chips started smoking..."

Me: "Stop, stop. How long did you set the microwave for?"

Boys: "One minute."

FIRST LEARNING EXPERIENCE

Me: "For next time, when you melt something like this in the microwave, you set it for a short time - 15 seconds or so, stir it, and then repeat until it's melted to desired consistency."

Boys: "OK - so it was smoking and we had to open all the doors. Then, the chocolate was so hot and messy and we didn't want to put it in the garbage, so we decided to pour it in a ziploc bag."

WOW! SECOND LEARNING EXPERIENCE

Older Boy: "The hot, burned chocolate melted the bag and it all fell on the floor."

They didn't need me to tell them that this was a bad idea. They learned, from experience.

Older Boy: "I told him to clean it up (Pointing to his younger brother) but he didn't."

Younger Boy: "No, I told you to clean it up. I was putting the ice cream away."

I laughed. It's easy to laugh when you're not in the heat of the moment. That's why I like addressing the problems when some time has passed and I'm not so fired up about it. 

I don't know how the paper towel made it on top to hide the catastrophe, but nevertheless, they were quickly given instructions to clean it up.

Once the mess was taken care of, we talked about their "Learning Experience". They realized what went wrong and next time, I think they'll both be smart enough to avoid the chaos altogether. How else do we learn, but by experience?

I'm glad they didn't clean it up before I got home. I probably wouldn't have heard about it and they would have missed out on some helpful tips and positive instruction.

So, thank you boys for giving me a good laugh, and for letting me be part of "The Learning Experience."

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

EEEEEEEEa-sy?

"Summertime........and the livin' is EEEEEEEa-sy"

George Gershwin - Porgy and Bess

This is the first song that comes to mind when I think of the word, summer. My amazing, opera-singing friend sang this in our Gershwin Review in high school. Her gorgeous voice goes through my mind as I think of the lyrics to this song. But alas, I highly disagree with the premise of this classic, for summertime for me is not an EEEEEEEEa-sy time of year.

I've explained it before...so I won't explain it again. But, you can read up on my summertime philosophy, here: Turn "What Can I do" into Summertime Service

Being a full time, working mother at home, it's not an EEEEEEEEa-sy thing for me to keep up with all the activities that my children want to do OR the tasks that need to be accomplished.

So, I have assigned responsibilities to my children to help take the load off...

School Time - This is an important part of summer for us, because learning does not go on hold for three months. Thus, to make my life more EEEEEEEA-sy, I enlist the help of my older children to tutor my younger kids in math, reading, writing, etc. 

My eleven year old is taking it easy, lying on the couch, as he helps Buddy-Boy with his math.

Meal Time - Summertime brings more time than normal, so let's be productive, helpful, and learn while we're at it! Assigning the responsibility of making dinner to my children is the best thing for making my life EEEEEEEa-sy.

Lovely Ladies in their Aprons

Fun Time - With my current circumstances, I can't be the one to always take the children out for an activity. So, again, enlist my big kids to do fun things with the younger children.

Kidnapping Brother on his birthday for an afternoon out. (Little sister was scared as they were tying him up)

ZEBRAS!!!!!

I love not having to go in the pool every time!

Yard Time - Trying to get the yard together is a formidable task. It's definitely not EEEEEEEE-asy! Have everyone pitch in!

Thanks to these great kids for making our summer a bit more EEEEEEEa-sy. We still have lots of fun family time!

Planet Play

Dance Party: "Eat-it!"

Lovin' this cute foal!

Patience and a smile for the Mare

Cousins AND the Easter Bunny

Good times with "The Bear"

If you don't understand the EEEEEEEa-sy reference, you just need to listen to the song. Hopefully, you'll find a way to make your summer a little more EEEEEEEEa-sy, too!

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

Vote for Bushman

Forget Obama, Romney, Perry, and Huntsman...

Vote for Bushman!!

We had a taste of election mania this Fall with our oldest son running for Student Body President. He was nominated by a classmate and made the cuts, taking the election between him and one other boy. The night before his speech and election day, he created a flyer and recruited his sister to help him out.

Well, he made a great run but ended up losing by two votes. The other boy was a Senior. He is an early-graduating Junior. Even though you didn't win, you tried and gained experience. Also, you were a fine example of a good loser and that's a lesson in and of itself!

Involvement in Student Government is an extra bang for college applications, scholarships and resumes. Consider urging your child to take a stab at it.

The next week, the school held elections for House and Senate Student Government. So now, instead of one possible candidate, we have two student government leaders.

Introducing...

7th Grade: Senator Bushman

11th Grade: Representative Bushman

Congratulations, boys, for being examples of integrity, honesty, loyalty and leadership, such that your peers chose you to be their leaders this year. With leaders like you, there is hope for our country!

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

Life After Chores?

As he scrubs the toilet each week, he imagines a day without chores;

when he can roam the neighborhood with his friends, with no cares in the world.

With each towel there is to fold, she thinks of the book she'd rather be reading; 

turning the pages of the romance mystery that is waiting for her on the table.

This is their lot in life...chores, chores, chores.

When will it end? Never! They'll be working and working forever!

I know my children think they are over worked and NOBODY else has to do any chores. They claim their friends don't have to do anything to help out in the home. Sorry! Mom can't do it alone, you live in this home too and need to help take care of it. Plus, you need to learn the skills necessary for when it's your turn to be in charge of a household!

This is one of my least favorite jobs...emptying the dishwasher. Oh, good, someone else gets to do it!

Chores. Are they a necessary evil or a blessing in disguise? I choose the latter. Assigning your children chores teaches time management, responsibility, a hard work ethic, encourages family unity, gives satisfaction for a job well done, teaches that privileges come with tasks completed, allows for learning and growing, and provides skills and knowledge that are invaluable.

She may not sweep perfectly but at least something's getting swept up!

 

Consider our new product, the Stick-to-it Chore Chart, for assisting your family in organizing and assigning the family responsibilities.  

This system has been utilized in our home for almost twelve years. I developed this product to use with my children because I could not find a solution on the market that gave the flexibility to assign specific and relevant chores to each member of the family. The STIC Chore Charts provide a solution to not only organize the family responsibilities in a fun manner, but track completion as well.  Chores may be rotated as frequently as fits your family's needs. I find that children REALLY learn how to do a job if they have that task for several weeks or months; however, our kids are always excited for "change the chores" day. Almost 100 colorful pieces are included that represent detailed jobs relating to most families. Blank pieces are included for customization to your household.  See how this system can transform your home into productivity! Visit our website, www.sticktoitcharts.com.

Yes, your children may day dream about life after chores, but some day, they'll thank you for "raising a stick-to-it kid".

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

Comfortable in Uncomfortable Situations

Rotten spinach, four days before the "use by" date, does not make me happy! In fact, it's rather annoying. I was thinking about the need to return the spinach that day when my son asked me, "Mom, do you need anything at the store?" That's code for "Mom, I want to ride my bike to the store."

:) ...YES!! I asked him to return the spinach. Now, not every twelve year old boy would be comfortable with walking up to the customer service desk with receipt in one hand and rotten spinach in the other, explaining the problem and asking for an exchange. In fact, MOST twelve year old boys would not even consider it. However, he was willing and confident, and quite proud when he returned home with fresh, edible spinach.

"That's Right!"

How do we get our children to that point, where they feel comfortable to take care of uncomfortable situations? Give them experiences! Take them with you places. Let them see you in action. Involve them in decisions and conversations. Set expectations that push them. Teach them to take care of their responsibilities. 

Examples: 

• Does your child need to find out when cub scouts is this week? Encourage him to call and find out. If you do it for him, he will not learn anything, except for when cub scouts is.

• Our oldest daughter is getting ready for college and taking some medical certification classes this summer. At first she was a bit leery of making calls and asking questions. With encouragement and sometimes standing next to her while on the phone, she is now a PRO! She has no qualms with calling the school, asking questions about classes, scheduling her certification test, calling for tech support, etc. If I did it for her, she would leave for college still unsure. We want our children to leave home as prepared as possible!
• Merit Badges - we're right in the thick of them! Have your children make the appointments with the counselors and schedule their scoutmaster conferences and board of reviews. They are capable...parents just need to let go, but still be there for support and follow-through.
• Teach them how to properly answer the phone and take messages. There is nothing more delightful than hearing a five or six year old child say, "No, he's not available. May I take a message?"
• Give them opportunities to interact with adults. Encourage them to talk and don't speak for them. If they are comfortable talking with an adult, they will feel fine in most situations.
• Encourage them to accept responsibilities of leadership, whether in church, school, scouts, sports or other activities. Positions of leadership naturally demand responsibility, delegation, communication and maturity.

"Did the lady look at you funny when you asked to return the spinach", Mom asks.

"Yes, but I don't care. She probably doesn't see that happen very often!" declares my confident spinach-exchanger.

I love it when I can pass on the dirty work to someone capable of handling it, and I can make lunch instead. Spinach Salad anyone?

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

Sing, Dance and SHINE

The stage is a fabulous, fun, and EXCITING place for children to learn about dependability, responsibility, commitments, punctuality, cooperation, patience and work! Two of my children just finished a semester long drama course, culminating in a full length musical production of Fiddler on the Roof. Yes, it was intense. The rehearsals were long and frequent. The hours were tiring, and juggling school, family, rehearsals, friends, sleep, church, basketball, and work was tricky, but the benefits far outweigh the difficulties.  (No flash photography was allowed so this is the best I could do)

Tevye and Lazar Wolf (my son, on the right)

My daughter, during the wedding scene

Involvement in the musical truly forced my children to use their time wisely, picking and choosing what they could handle and what was too much; using every extra minute to finish some math problems or do the assigned reading for English class.

The memories and experiences will be with them FOREVER! They will remember this time in their lives with much satisfaction in accomplishing a great work.

"To Life, To Life..."

"Anatevka, Anatevka"

Farewell...

Old relationships grow, and new friendships are made. 

Patience and tolerance for others is developed.  Being on time is stressed and commitment is expected.

Talents they didn't know they had, blossom and expand. New skills are acquired and the chance to SHINE is encouraged and available.

Leadership opportunities abound and unique experiences are there for the taking. Working with many different people teaches cooperation and problem solving skills.

Yes, the great times with good friends are worth every minute...

Congratulations on a grand performance! Now, life can slow down a little bit, and you can catch up on some much needed sleep!!

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