Part 3 - In Conclusion
Start by looking at any 'problem areas' in the day. What are the things that you should and want to be getting done daily but are things that you always seem to argue about?
Discuss them together (even with your littlest ones) and refine them. Start with just a few and agree that these things will get done each day.
What works for your family to EARN if you work together to get the list done?
Maybe a morning routine doesn't work for you, so try an afternoon or evening routine.
Maybe after school the expectation is your child washes up from the day, empties backpack and practices violin. Or an evening routine of put on pajamas, brush teeth, practice violin.
Maybe instead of earning screen time it's playing a video game or using the ipad/computer or going out to play with friends.
Maybe you collect your days and earn an ice cream on the weekend or a new book to read at the end of the month.
Maybe you try a combination of all of these until you figure out whats feels right for your family!
The list won't always be easy. But there is no better time to COMMIT then now! Post the list on your phone, on the fridge, at the kitchen table. Talk about it when you get up in the morning and before you go to bed at night. Make sure everyone agrees and is on board and works together to get things done. Set the expectation and then encourage each other!
I can't remember the last day we didn't practice and the heavy load on my shoulders has disappeared. It is definitely not easy, but when it directly benefits our children and the joy we all feel by the end of the day having worked together rather than butt heads, it is a pretty good reason to continue to make small lifestyle changes.
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