So with John Hunter being gone last week one of the things that Eric and I talked about and worked on was how much responsibility a 3 year old can take. I have always been a big cheerleader of children helping out around the family.
When we found out we were prego WITH JOHN HUNTER some wise friends introduced us to the concept of "our child is an addition to our family, not the CENTER of our family". Now don't get us wrong we love our child more than anything, but we are finding the importance of modeling a healthy relationship as a mom and dad, child of God, and loving our neighbor are WAY more important than making sure JH is the center of our world!
** PS I have updated the blog to state we are NOT prego! apparently when it feeds to face book it got to the line that says.... when we found out were were prego and then cut off! I had SEVERAL people message me congrats! Too funny... we are not prego, I PROMISE! But if the LORD sees fit for us to have another child we will crack the whip with that one as well!
All that to be said we have instituted some ways that are going make model what we believe in parenting. They are not profound, not new, but we are praying they work and the LORD will bless our labor as we try and raise a child up in a Christ centered home!
Here are some things we are working on....
1) Responsibility... John Hunter will be given a number of chores through out the week. We have ordered the Melissa and Doug Chore Chart seen here. We are asking him as a member of this house and the ripe old age of 3.5 to make his bed daily. Feed the dogs, remove all dishes from the table and place in the sink, as well as keeping his toys picked up and placed in the appropriate place WITHOUT being asked. We have explained to him that these toys cost money and were purchased and given to him. As nice as they are they are a privilege. Daily he can play with whatever toy he would like. But before bedtime he will be given a reminder that the day is ending and bed time is approaching. At that time he will be asked to look over the house and make sure all this toys are put away. If they are not... they will be placed on the mantle and not be able to be played with the next day!
2) Be Like Jesus... At this point in life John Hunter is obsessed with Bible Stories of Jesus. Some of my favorite moments of the day is when he comes up to me and says "mom, can you tell me a story about Jesus." NOTHING, and I mean NOTHING is more important than for me/ Eric to stop what we are doing and make the Bible come to life for that little boy. We are teaching him that manners, attitude, and joy are not things that are to be taken lightly. He is rewarded through words of affirmation. We have noticed that his manners are improving and his overall attitude is positive. Now this sounds amazing, and yes he has his moments. But Eric and I are both challenged because he is watching us like a hawk. He wants us to be like Jesus too, and will call us out when we are not!
3) Routine is key.... this phrase has been thrown out the window all summer. We have been enjoy a great summer and bedtimes and naps are always hit or miss. We have found that the more routine JH is in, the better he transitions. He doesn't always need to be in bed at 8, or always take a 2 hour nap, but the more we can prepare him for what the day holds the better his attitude and overall behavior is! This is much harder on mom and dad than JH but Eric and I are committed to making this work for him.
So today is the first day home. The house was clean, the laundry done, and the TV has been off with the exception of movie time! He is now napping and he knows what we are doing after nap. We are trying this out. We are praying that through the strength of the Spirit we can raise up a child who is well rounded, well mannered, and confident who he is in the LORD! Pray for us, and we will pray for you as you take heart in the WORD that says, "train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is older he will not turn from it"
