If there's anything that's helped me in parenting, it's to parent proactively. Today my idea for proactive parenting is to have family meetings. One thing our family has done lately is to meet as a family before we start our day. After we get everyone up, they all sit on the couch and my dh stands in front of them and lays out things for the day. He talks about the weather - what we should wear, what we're eating for breakfast so they know how to set the table, what things are going on that day, and then will give a little reminder about obedience, being kind to one another etc... We try to make it a positive, encouraging time. Then they're sent off to get dressed and do their work.
Starting out this way gets them in the framework to do what they're supposed to be doing. They know what's expected and are set to do it. Generally things get done quicker after these meetings than it would be done without the meetings. Sometimes time put into meetings and such, save time in the end. May the Lord help us as we raise our children! |
