Thanks to everyone for your comments, ideas and encouragement after my near-breakdown yesterday. I'm better today. And many have asked what I'm going to do next, so I'll share.
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Before our Bible lesson this morning, we reviewed our House Rules. I stopped at each rule that was broken the day before, discussed what happened, how it should have been handled differently and how the rule WILL be followed today. (my sanity depended on it) Nearly every rule was broken by one or both kids. Multiple times throughout the day. I tried to keep my emphasis on how similar situations should be handled in the future.
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Ryan immediately asked what was going to happen to the bag of toys. I said, "I don't know yet. I'll let you know in a few days." I really appreciate your thoughts on this one, ladies. I didn't warn the kids that all toys left on the floor would be thrown away because that was never my initial intention. But since I'm not yelling anymore, my rage needs an outlet somewhere, I guess! Good thing the cheap mom in me squashed the rage. All that said, donating the bag would be unfair, so next week, we're going to have a Bible lesson on grace and mercy and then we will put the toys away together.
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I also think I need to keep a closer eye on the clean up process in the future. Several of my friends have kids the same ages as mine who hear, "go clean up" and they do it all by themselves. I assumed my kids should do the same, but obviously they need more supervision/direction at this stage in their lives.
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Today they picked up when asked and I think the lesson yesterday was learned. Maybe not forever, but at least for now.
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In the near future, I like Kara's idea of a "Friday Box" where anything left on the floor after clean up time is over will be taken away until Friday. I generally have the kids pick up their toys before naptime, before bedtime and anytime it gets so out of control that they're stepping on things because the layer of stuff is too thick for their feet to reach the carpet. I'll continue instructing them to clean up, will begin monitoring them more closely and will incorporate the Friday Box as needed. I think this is a good plan and I'm sticking to it. For now. :)
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4 comments:
I like that Friday Box idea, too!
I'm glad things are better! : )
here's to better days!
I'm so glad you shared, too. I think it was really brave of you to be so open - and reassuring to read.
Best wishes!
PS - even today my brothers, sister, and I talk about Mom's Friday Box :)
Each child is an individual, and though your friends kids seem to clean up in a hurry, maybe it took a lot to get them there...you are only seeing the finished product. Just help them through it, show them what you expect, children will do what is modeled for them, maybe they are visual learners, I certainly know that I am. You have amazing kids, they are going to have a little baby in their lives soon too, so, there is a lot going on for them right now. You are an awesome mama, and I am happy that you decided against donating the toys....my dad did that to me, and trust me, what you are trying to teach them was not what I walked away with...good luck on this, I know you can handle it with grace and understanding.
Oh wow, YES, my boys have been doing the same thing and its driving me MAD. Hence the reason every day this week, I am going through the house and throwing stuff out. I also had each boy pick 5 toys that could NOT be donated then each had to pick 5 that they would like to donate.
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