I find that Motherhood is full of lots of these phrases;

“brush your teeth”,

“pick up your room”,

“let the dog out”,

“finish your homework”

and

“‘watch the baby”…..

That is part of our job, we keep things moving and help our tweens accomplish the things they need to.  I often feel a bit like a drill sargent!  But, alas…they would be in trouble if we weren’t here to help them along and keep them safe and out of trouble.

Then, here and there you have those special moments.  Those moments where the stars align, fireworks ignite and you are filled with such joy!!  Moments like the one I captured  in this photo, watching two darling children lost in a book together.  Watching my tween take care of his little sister and enjoy it.

Next time I feel like I just might pull my hair out if I have to tell my tween to pick up his socks one more time, I will find peace in the fact that I am teaching and training him.  In all those moments I have asked him to help out with his younger siblings, he has learned how to be with babies.  He knows how to take care of them (he will be an awesome Dad someday).

All those hours of nagging and disciplining and teaching WILL pay off and yes, God will give me these magical moments to keep me going!!

What are some of your ‘tender moments’ that make all the nagging and teaching pay off?

I’ve officially had it.  I am sick and tired of cleaning up after everyone but myself.  I ask the girls to clean up and it seems like a lifelong project lately.  I have resorted to setting a timer.  If the picking up isn’t done by the ending ding, toys get put into trash bags and placed into the garage. 

Why such an extreme course of action one might ask?  First and foremost, with only one grown up in the house, it is impossible to clean up after everybody.   Second, I think it teaches personal responsibility.  If you want things, you have to take care of them.  If you leave that Wii game laying around, it will get scratched and be useless … and NO .. you won’t get another one. 

I also think it instills a sense of family; you live under this roof so guess what?  We all have to pitch in and work together if things are going to run smoothly.  Moreover, it gives me a chance for a bit more sleep/down time.  If everyone helps, then I don’t have to stay up late cleaning up everyone’s mess or folding laundry! 

I’m also trying to teach the girls that with age comes priviledge and also responsibility.  Yes, we can stay up a little late on Friday and watch a movie but in order for that to happen, our housework has to be done. 

How do you encourage your kids to pitch in and clean up after themselves?  Any hints or ideas?  Please share your comments and ideas below. 

Some days I would love to be the invisible man; I dream of having privacy, being able to shower without interruption, or even eat my dinner without being ordered around for cups of milk and napkins.  Then again, it’s been so long, I’m not quite sure what I’d do!  One thing is certain though; the girls are getting old enough to give me some privacy and let me finish my dinner or shower without interruption; I’m laying down the law and demanding some privacy, peace, and quiet.  The girls are old enough to begin understanding the premise of privacy; hopefully, with a few rules and defined boundaries, they’ll begin understanding and respecting mine.  Here’s what I am going to implement:

Rule #1:  Don’t bother me while I’m in the bathroom unless it’s an emergency.  This includes sticking your fingers underneath the door, knocking incessantly, cracking the door and sticking your lips through the crack to talk, talking through the door, or otherwise interrupting me. 

Rule #2: While I am speaking on the phone or to another adult, please do not interrupt.  If I have taken the time to go outside to talk to someone, it’s because I want privacy, please see rule #1. 

Rule #3: Please do not go through my or anyone else’s things without their permission.  This includes makeup, others’ toys, clothes, etc.  You must respect the belongings of others if you expect the same in return. 

While the list isn’t all-inclusive, it’s at least a start.  I think that it’s important to learn about privacy so that one can live in harmony with your family, friends, and/or future roommates.  Respecting other peoples’ rules and boundaries is a sure fire way to keep relationships as problem free as possible. 

What are your thoughts on the issue?  How do you explain privacy to your kids?   Any ideas on how to set boundaries and rules, because I’d love to hear them!