The Experiment....

So I am trying something new this week with my boys....a written schedule of afternoon activities. Times are laid out for when they can watch TV, play video games or on the computer. Times for chores (I am finally trying to implement some) and time for homework, dinner, and soccer practice (thankfully only twice a week). So far, the boys are doing VERY well with it. Me, it's taking some adjustments. I am not a "schedule" person...I like to do things more loosie-goosie. 

However, sometimes change can be good.....
On Monday-the older one mopped the living room and dining room, and took out both bathroom's trash, and the small one was taught/helped clean the upstairs sink and toilet. They each sat down and did a page in their Handwriting without Tears book-without complaining. Today was soccer practice, so I only made them put away their clothes, and do one more page in their handwriting books. Last night the younger one melted down when the no more TV/computer time came. But tonight, he was happy to pick out a board game to play!

And this is forcing me to do a couple of things. One, stop and spend more time with them, rather than flitting about checking things off my "to-do" list. And really isn't spending time with your kids the most important thing a parent can do? It's making me spend my time more wisely. I can't hop on facebook or check email multiple times a day, because I need to get things ready for them to do. And I know that I will have to stop at some point to help them work on their homework, help them complete their chores, and help them figure out how to entertain themselves when the electronics go off....and they can do the last part fine on a weekend day, just at that time of the night they are getting tired and don't want to put as much effort into it.  I am also helping to teach them life skills. Often I find it faster/easier to just do it all myself. Which this is very well true, they are only going to get more grumpy about doing chores as they get older. So working it into life now, will make that a bit better ( I am hoping) or at least, I am not trying to start something new with them when they are older.

So we shall see how this goes.....hopefully I can stick with it longer than a week. The older one is doing well with this as I type it up and print it out. So long as things are in writing it's not me "nagging" or "bossing" him around. I promise to update at some point and tell you if I have continued on ;)