I'm having a contest. Or am I supposed to say that I'm hosting a giveaway? Isn't that what it is in the blog world? Does a giveaway sound more enticing? Exciting? Either way... contest or giveaway... I'm having one.
Leave a comment here or there and tell me: how do you organize a family of five? Chores? Rooms? Meals? What traditions do you have that encourage teamwork, individual responsibility, or uniqueness?
I'll pick the 3 comments that were most helpful to my current situation and they'll win free food! At a restaurant.
I originally had declared the 12th to be the last day to enter but I'm getting anxious so I'm changing it. Hey, I can do whatever I want, it's my blog. The last day to submit your comments - here or there - is Tuesday, February 10.
OOOH, I love it! Here are some that have worked for me lately! 1.) IF they get ready for school on time ~ dressed, teeth brushed, bed made, etc they get a sticker. Each sticker = 25 extra cents for allowance day. 2.) Allowance day ~ their chores, their responsibility if they want to get paid. 3.) One day a week each of my darlings gets to pick dinner, saves the hassle of me thinking twice a week, and they are usually pretty creative ~ we've even had waffles for dinner.4.) Chores, not as many as I would like, but still.....the 8 year old has to put away dirty clothes, make bed, put clean clothes away, help with trash, set the table, and clean up after self. The 4 year old has to put away dirty clothes, get dressed by self, set table and clear, put away clean clothes that go in her dresser since she can't hang them up yet. Hope I win!!!
ReplyDeleteOk, I have not perfected any of these BUT... here are a few things that have helped us..
ReplyDeleteBed Time/Bible Study~ Bed Time was taking a good 45 minutes, and when we pulled the kids out of Christian School we wanted to be in the "study" of the word more. So we combined the 2 things and created "Prayer Circle" This happens on the landing outside the kids bedroom doors (just needs to be in any common area) Here we do High's and Lows of the day, then we read the bible (I choose THE KIDS MESSAGE because the girls could take turns reading it aloud to the family). Then whomever night it is to read gets to ask the family "3" follow up questions regarding the passage (they LOVE doing this). Then we do prayers all together and dismiss from there. It takes less time that the old just "tucking in & prayers" used too, we are in the word as a family, and it is the best 20 minutes of our days to stay connected. AND it is "to do"s that matter:) staying in the word & staying connected!
THings will get easier as they get older too, then I'll have more to share:)
From Tammy Brown
I got nothin'... but...
ReplyDeleteI've been praying for answers to my LACK of orderliness... maybe God is giving me some answers through your blog! Nice. I'll be reading everyone's comments! FABulous idea, Lisa!
We are a family of five, so i can defintely relate. a schedule of chores worked for us very much, but the assignments have to rotate every couple of days. also, there is a compromise system when, for example my brother would ask me to do the dishes instead because he has to watch a particular show etc, i comply. that way everything is as harmonious as my mum expects/wants it to be
ReplyDeletekatch05 at gmail dot com
Hey Lisa! I finally got my post published, procrastination to the max! lol. http://runningamuck.wordpress.com/2009/02/10/tips-when-adding-that-third-child/
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy for you guys!