We have had a revolving door in our home for a few weeks now. I have made a great effort to build relationships with neighbours and to provide an extensive amount of "friend" time for the girls as they have been establishing themselves here in Texas. This has proved very worthwhile so far and we have found a great support system for our family. It has also prompted me to be more protective of family time though and how important it is for me to be actively teaching my children. I want our home to be a refuge and opposed to the place where the chaos happens!
Yesterday evening I felt it was more like the latter. All the kids in the culdersack seem to migrate here at about 4pm. Then the games start. This is fine, except when there is constant arguing about what to play and what the rules should be etc etc.... I think they have all just been spending too much time together! Also my 5 and 2 year olds are developing 8 year old attitudes!
I started an "intervention" this morning. After breakfast we did scripture reading and then sat in a circle in the lounge. I told the girls I really wanted to enjoy more time with them and focus on making our home peaceful place. I encouraged them to describe what they would like our family and home to be like. I grabbed a pen and paper and wrote some notes: I started with Julia and she said "happy", then Mila added we should love each other, back to Julia for kisses, Mila said "kind and gentle". Julia said "kisses" with all her conviction (as if she had never said it before) -I took this to mean she needed a kiss and gave her one. Then I added tidy (wouldn't it be nice!) and Mila said "food" - we decided this could be eating together. And I prompted "help each other".
Yesterday evening I felt it was more like the latter. All the kids in the culdersack seem to migrate here at about 4pm. Then the games start. This is fine, except when there is constant arguing about what to play and what the rules should be etc etc.... I think they have all just been spending too much time together! Also my 5 and 2 year olds are developing 8 year old attitudes!
I started an "intervention" this morning. After breakfast we did scripture reading and then sat in a circle in the lounge. I told the girls I really wanted to enjoy more time with them and focus on making our home peaceful place. I encouraged them to describe what they would like our family and home to be like. I grabbed a pen and paper and wrote some notes: I started with Julia and she said "happy", then Mila added we should love each other, back to Julia for kisses, Mila said "kind and gentle". Julia said "kisses" with all her conviction (as if she had never said it before) -I took this to mean she needed a kiss and gave her one. Then I added tidy (wouldn't it be nice!) and Mila said "food" - we decided this could be eating together. And I prompted "help each other".
So now at least we have a goal. I am working on an official list of responsibilities.
Oh for a peaceful home!!
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