Feb. 28, 2006 - Basic Training
Yesterday was the first day of basic training. I had noticed that the children had gotten slack with their work, schedule, manners and service so we decided to take some time to retrain. So far, it has gone real well. We have fine tuned our schedule, implementing personal alarm clocks. We have set four key goals throughout the day that earns the children tokens to be used for various free-time and activities. I have always tried to have the older children serve the younger children before themselves, this is usually very nice, but somewhere we have gotten lazy with it so we have clamped back down on that as well.
This morning everyone was dressed and at the breakfast table by 7 o'clock. After a breakfast of eggs, toast, hotchocolate and o.j. everyone got their work done quickly and efficiently. Before school started the farm chores were done, wood box filled, both fires fed, pets taken care of, entire first floor vacuumed and cleaned, including the kitchen, all the beds were made the family room was cleaned and vacuumed, personal devotions and family devotions were done and everyone actually got dressed and had their teeth brushed, faces washed and hair combed. If this keeps up I might let the boys grow out their crew cuts.
We also cleaned both bathrooms and did a load of laundry. Today
is good, tomorrow you may have to dig me out from beneath the woodpile,
but God says to not worry about tomorrow, so today is good, right.?We are back to school after a little break and it seems to be running much smoother. Everyone seems to be more motiviated and focused. Maybe it is just me who is more focused but all in all I am pleased with the results. Of course, this could change tomorrow.
Comments
Feb. 28, 2006 - Right there with you!
Posted by dawilli
We have to go back to BASIC way too often!
My boys talk about joining the army or navy and I just think- are you crazy?! well, they would learn in a hurry that not everyone is as much of an incosistent pushover as me! I guess it would be good for them!
I like your tokens idea, I've heard that before but never got around to implementing it, we have gone back to the old motivating money factor, if all else fails appeal to their greed?! we'll see how long it lasts! They just need to get into shape (household help shape) or else, but then, so do I!
Caught up in spring fever clean and fling mode,
ali
Feb. 28, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Janne
Way to go! Keep up the good work!
