Thursday, September 18, 2008

Change is a GREAT thing

Yes, you heard correctly.....CHANGE, C-H-A-N-G-E and a lot of it!! Blessed Daddy and I have looked long and hard at our schedule and realized that some serious changes needed to occur. This is day 3 of our changes and we are making GREAT strides. The kids are very excited about a new program called "Accountable Kids" that is in the mail as we speak. I have spoken to the kids about this program and they have a number of friends that already do it. They are so excited, as am I. After many years of yelling, nagging, coaxing, badgering, pleading, on my knees begging....whew...I will no longer have to ask my kids to dress, make beds, brush hair, brush teeth, etc. The new program we are getting gives the responsibility to them. If they don't do their "morning chores" then they do not earn a ticket. :) Super easy for me. We don't even have the program yet, but the past 2 days my youngest girls have been up, dressed, beds made, eaten breakfast, teeth brushed, hair brushed and ready for school. This is a MIRACLE!! I am thrilled. Our days have gone much smoother. We have also taken out everything.....we only go to soccer practice, church and praise team practice. We haven't left the house all week. Here is a NEW typical day in our house...and its working! That's all that matters.

8:30 Wake, eat breakfast, dress, make beds, brush teeth, brush hair.
9:40 Ready for school
All 3 older arrows work on puters to do language, then oldest does puter math and other two on math worksheets. Two youngest arrows get time with mommy, reading, playing, folding laundry, etc.
12 Lunch
1:30 Naps for two youngest arrows
2:00 SWR with Mommy
3:30 Done with school and time for snack, youngest arrows wake from nap and join snack time
4:00 Craft, art, paint, etc.
4:30 Prep for dinner and free time for kids
6:30 Dinner
7:30 Showers for everyone
8:00 Drive through History DVD with Daddy
9:00 Bedtime for kids
11:00 Bedtime for Mommy and Daddy if not sooner

I am amazed at how wonderful this has worked for everyone. I am praying that over time we can add a play date here and there, field trips, but for now we are starting from scratch....only the bare basics. Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers. They have been felt and heard. Blessings for a wonderful weekend.

2 comments:

Jennifer Shand said...

I'm telling you, there's nothing like a schedule! Everyone knows what to expect and then when you do add in the play dates or field trips they seem even more special. I'm glad things are running more smoothly for you. God bless

Teacher/Mom said...

Thank you God for an answered prayer! I'm so happy things are going better for you. We've tried so many different systems that I don't even know where to go any more. Mine are so fickle that they lose motivation immediately. My ADD girl just can't get anything done without me being right there next to her nagging her along. She hates it - I hate it - but it has to be for now. Will keep praying for more stress relievers for you. Blessings.