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I Choose Joy
Jan. 26, 2009
Speaker at MOPS
I went to MOPS last week (Mothers of Preschoolers) at our church. I have 4 preschoolers! We had a neat speaker. She didn't say anything earth-shattering, but had a great style and was very motivating. Here were some of the things she said:
Eighty percent of what we do is a habit. Children can learn a new habit in 3 days It takes adults about 21 days to learn a new habit. Our children are learning habits now that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. What they do now will seem "normal" in the future. Children are often ready for new habits (such as being potty trained), but it's the adult who isn't ready yet!
Kids (and probably adults) need to eat every 2-3 hours.
Sleep--Make sure they (and you) get enough sleep. Check out sleepfoundation.org.
When do you add a new chore to a child's schedule? The day they try it! One-year-olds can put clothes in the washer and dryer. Two-year-olds can take their dishes to the sink. (My 4 oldest kids fold all the clothes and put away their own. Last night my 8 yo was trying to wash a pan--I guess I need to teach him how to do that now! My 2 yo lately has been having fun getting a wet sponge and wiping the table and chairs--his own idea. He also "took out the trash" a couple of days ago!)
As soon as a child can do something for themselves, let them. You may have to plan ahead for it--to provide enough time, as well as time to clean up a mess which may occur!
And this was the best: Smile all day long!
Her name is Susan Tracy, www.LTPEC.org
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