summer of work/summer of fun

For Family Home Evening last Monday we had our lesson on the importance of teaching children to work. (The kids take it much better when we explain that mom and dad aren't making them work because we are mean; we are simply trying to follow the prophet...)

After this had been established, we presented Aaron and Katrina with their new "summer job charts" and explained the new plan. (they have more jobs, I figure in the school year just doing the basics and homework are plenty of jobs. kids need time to play and be kids too.) They each have their (longer) list of jobs to do everyday. IF they do all the jobs Mon - Thurs, they can have "free Friday," i.e no jobs. (an idea adopted (and adapted) from a few friends)

In addition, we discussed that if you "work hard" then you have earned to the right to "play hard." So we outlined a bit of a "play" schedule. Monday is Picnic in the Park Day. Tuesday is Arts and Craft Day. (This week we fingerpainted with pudding - they loved it!) Wednesday is Library Day. Thursday is Service Day (yes, my kids think this is a type of play, as long they get some say in the service they do. They think 'secret service' is so exciting) and Friday is Special Field Trip/Outdoor Adventure Day. This week we mixed up the days a bit, because today is the "summer reading program kick-off" at the public library, so today is Library Day this week.

So far, it has been a really good week. Aaron has gotten up everyday (except one) and done his jobs without being asked. The day he didn't race to do the jobs, he did get them donw becuase he wanted to play with some friends that came over.) Every person we see he says, "mom, tell them about our special days." Needless to say, he is very excited about it. Trina hasn't done so well, but I haven't worried about it because she's been sick again this week. The play schedule makes a bit more work for me, but I think I need the structure as much as the kids. This way I am forced to think of a fun activity/craft/field trip, and I am forced to stop and play with my kids. Unfortunately, sometimes I need to be forced to do this. It is too easy to be "busy" and just let them play by themselves or with friends. I do believe that it is important for them and for me that we play and have fun together. (at least a little bit everyday)

So - I am off to supervise "school/learning time" (one of the daily jobs-) and then we are off to our library adventure!


*pregnancy note - I'm 10 weeks gestation today (according to last cycle) I'm starting to have a little bit more energy, translate this to mean that I only have to drag myself through 80% of the day instead of 95% of the day. according to P. calendar, "Baby weighs 0.49 ounces or 14 grams. Baby is 2.13 inches or 5.4 cm long." I'm just excited to say, I'm 1/4 the way there!!!