Teaching Children to Work

"Work together as a family, even if it may be faster and easier to do the job ourselves. Talk with our sons and daughters as we work together." ~Strengthening Families: Our Sacred Duty Robert D. Hales.

We have tried a new thing this summer.  Well, a new twist to an old thing.   I found this cute chart on Over the Moon.   When the kids have their chart filled out, they can choose a prize.  It is great, because I don't have to keep on the kids about what needs done before they can play or get on the computer.
We still pay the kids allowance, but this is just an added motivation  for them, and less work and hounding for me.

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Culling the Bossiness

In Doctrine and Covenants Section 58 it says in the following verses: 26 For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward.

 27 Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness.

 

I believe that this is how we should govern ourselves.  I also have used it as a theme in my parenting.  Why should I waste all this energy bossing around my children.  I have felt that it is best for all involved to give them assignments, and then let them accomplish them how they feel is best.

Now this is kinda hard, especially when it comes to family jobs.  Dishes and laundry, to name a few.

I get a bit grouchy when things aren't folded how I would fold them.  How wrong is that!  I will show them how I do things, then stand back (actually leave the vicinity) and let them get 'er done.  Then I have to try so hard not to redo anything.  It's fine.  No one will die because the towels aren't folded just how mom does it!  (Breath, it's okay)

This also works for playing and coloring, and just about anything kids do.  Just get them started, and then shut your mouth.  No bossiness required.  Really!  

I have laughed (as quietly as possible on the inside) when  parent will take a toy or what have you, from their child and shown them how to use it.  Where is the imagination?  Don't you remember that these kids are coming from Heaven smarter every day?  Let them alone!

Now, when I hear someone bossing around my children, it really does cause the blood to boil.  I am standing right here!  If I haven't said anything to them, then just leave them alone.  

(Okay, so if I don't see something that is dangerous to someone physically, emotionally, or spiritually, then it is okay to intervene.  Other than that, but out let it go, please.)

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Muley Point

We spent the day driving around and checking out some of the great sights of Southern Utah.

Gorgeous view!

Holy Windy Road, Batman!

Delta was determined to catch a lizard.

Discovered there was a Geocache there, so we had to find it.

Here, Lizard, Lizard!

Bear's Ears

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Camp Kirkham June 2014

 

This year we went camping in San Juan County.  It was great to take the kids to see all the amazing sights of this place we called "home". The only problem was the wind.  Other than that, everyone had a Major Blast-O-La!

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Mission Accomplished!

Miss Katia can finally ride a bike!

She has been quite timid about the whole thing.

This past September, a friend, Talia (age 4 at the time), taught Delta and Emma how to ride.

She simply told them to push off and start peddling.

Easy-peasy!

So that is what Delta and Emma told Katia.

She has been sorta working on it the past month.

By sorta, I mean trying it once or twice.

This week, with school being out, I told her she had a chore.

This chore was to practice riding every day.  

She had to ride to each corner on our street twice!

I know, harsh!

But today she simply did it.  

This is basically all she has done since about 5:30.

Had to drag her in for dinner, and I'm about to drag her in for jammies.

 Maybe I'll let her go back out before bed.

I'm so excited for her! 

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