Getting it Together

A few weeks ago, we decided that we needed to revamp our FHE and also delegate more daily chores. I must say that things are much more balanced. The kids all have 2 family chores to do each day, in addition to their personal and room care. Even Alec is getting pretty good at doing dishes. The house isn’t perfect, but the difference of them really helping take care of things, makes it seem like “their” home. They get most things done before dinner and we are able to eat at 5 most every night. Then that leaves plenty of time to play, read or watch a movie before bed. I have noticed that the key with our kids is to make sure Rheanna and I are also doing some kind of chore. If we just sit and talk, read, use the computer, or are on the phone, they have little motivation to do work themselves. Work is great, and it has brought us closer together.

For Family Night, we are taking turns with lesson, activity, songs, books, and treats. Again, the difference has been nice as they all have felt empowered to really plan out what they would like to do. It’s a little more work for us, but it is far more rewarding. We've expanded our FHE to really be the full evening from when I get home until bed time. What a tremendous difference that has made them simply having it for an hour or less.

It’s crazy to think that our kids are getting older and really can do lots of things quite well. Payton, the other day, sat down and was going to change Alec’s diaper. I was willing to let her do the job, until she unhitched it and found that he was more than just wet. At least she took the effort to try.