Thursday, March 29, 2012
A Wocket in my Pocket
Last week, Oliver had a "dress up as your favorite book character day" at preschool. He chose his favorite character from Dr. Seuss's There's a Wocket in my Pocket. Currently, that is his fave. He wanted to be the boy on the cover.
I love how proud they are when they dress up. He woke up and saw his clothes lying out with the "Wocket" I had made. He just beamed!
They did a little parade around the school grounds. And here he comes...with his Wocket in his Pocket.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Hamburger Helpers!
Several weeks ago I decided to do a little revamping of our chore system. The previous plan had actually become non-existent and I had just resorted to having temper tantrums to get them to get things done. Not working so well.
I googled chore charts and found a few on Pinterest, but none of them were "new" to me. I wanted something to make them excited about helping and earning a commission.
We are big Dave Ramsey fans. I have mentioned him several times (here, here, and here). Dave suggests paying your children a "commission" rather than an "allowance". Here's his theory: An allowance is kind of a given...not earned. A commission is earned. Then there are responsibilities...you don't get paid for those. It makes perfect sense to me.
Our new system covers commissions and responsibilities. There are no handouts in the real world. So why should there be in our home? We have a "PAYDAY" and they are paid only for the work that has been done. We are also teaching them about tithing (Malachi 3:10), so 10% is immediately taken off the top and put in their envelope for church. They're not so fond of that part, but it will make it less painful when they are adults.
Any who...
I took a combo of concepts online (from this blog) and made up my own. I like to call it Hamburger Helpers.
I made it with Popsicle sticks, mod-podge, and magnets. Super easy!
Each burger has a bun; top bun= A.M. Responsibilities and bottom bun= P.M. Responsibilities.
Sam and Fulton each have six sticks making up the burger and condiments. Each stick has a chore (or chores depending on the complexity) and a value of the commission to be paid. There is an A list and B list of chores to be rotated between the 2 big boys. Yes! Ollie has his very own baby burger, since he is only 3, with age-appropriate chores.
So far, so good. There hasn't been any yelling or complaining involved and they really look forward to payday. Who knew Hamburger Helpers could be so good?
If you'd like a copy of the printable Hamburger Helpers to make your own, just leave me a comment below or contact me. I will email it to you! It will have our chores on it, but they are very basic and common household tasks. If the chores don't suit your family contact me through my SHOP and I'll customize one for you.
I googled chore charts and found a few on Pinterest, but none of them were "new" to me. I wanted something to make them excited about helping and earning a commission.
We are big Dave Ramsey fans. I have mentioned him several times (here, here, and here). Dave suggests paying your children a "commission" rather than an "allowance". Here's his theory: An allowance is kind of a given...not earned. A commission is earned. Then there are responsibilities...you don't get paid for those. It makes perfect sense to me.
Our new system covers commissions and responsibilities. There are no handouts in the real world. So why should there be in our home? We have a "PAYDAY" and they are paid only for the work that has been done. We are also teaching them about tithing (Malachi 3:10), so 10% is immediately taken off the top and put in their envelope for church. They're not so fond of that part, but it will make it less painful when they are adults.
Any who...
I took a combo of concepts online (from this blog) and made up my own. I like to call it Hamburger Helpers.
I made it with Popsicle sticks, mod-podge, and magnets. Super easy!
Each burger has a bun; top bun= A.M. Responsibilities and bottom bun= P.M. Responsibilities.
Sam and Fulton each have six sticks making up the burger and condiments. Each stick has a chore (or chores depending on the complexity) and a value of the commission to be paid. There is an A list and B list of chores to be rotated between the 2 big boys. Yes! Ollie has his very own baby burger, since he is only 3, with age-appropriate chores.
So far, so good. There hasn't been any yelling or complaining involved and they really look forward to payday. Who knew Hamburger Helpers could be so good?
If you'd like a copy of the printable Hamburger Helpers to make your own, just leave me a comment below or contact me. I will email it to you! It will have our chores on it, but they are very basic and common household tasks. If the chores don't suit your family contact me through my SHOP and I'll customize one for you.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
It's here!
About every three years, an event so big it could cause everything to come to a screeching halt in our home takes place. We batten down the hatches. Stock up on skittles, juice boxes, Popsicles, stickers, and all kinds of good stuff. We sing crazy songs, make up celebration dances, and put everything else on hold for at least 3 days.
That event is upon us. We are about to embark on our 3rd and final...
That event is upon us. We are about to embark on our 3rd and final...
TRIENNIAL POTTY-TRAINING OLYMPIC GAMES
Up to this point he has shown ZERO interest in going to the potty. He doesn't care that his big brothers go, friends go, that he'll get treats, or big-boy pants. Not. At. All! So we have waited as long as we feel appropriate. He is three and it's time.
It's going to be an exciting day when Oliver masters this skill. No more buying or changing diapers in the Baker house! But it will also be kinda sad. That's it. We'll be done. We'll have 3 BIG boys in the house. I never thought Potty Training would be bittersweet, but it is.
Wish me luck!