Moving Them Toward Independence
Raising children to be independent can be a challenge. When do you turn over appropriate tasks to them so they can perform their own tasks? One of my seminary professors used to say, “Once a child has learned a task, let it be theirs—it may take longer and may not be done the way you would do it, but it instills confidence.”
I don’t always enjoy the process of getting up and getting ready. With that in mind, Joy and I came up with a challenge for Emma and Luke as they were getting ready to enter first grade. We made a calendar with the number of school days they had in the month. Their tasks included waking up, getting dressed and putting away their pajamas, eating breakfast and cleaning up after themselves, brushing their teeth and hair, and getting to the car on time. They would receive a check mark for that day if all their morning tasks were completed and they were in the car on time. Clear guidelines and expectations helped them understand how to achieve success.
They set their own alarm clock—one they could hear. The first week, I’d remind them to watch their time and tell me what task they should be doing. The second week, I would only remind them to watch their schedule. By week three, they were on their own.
At the end of the month, rewards were given. If they had check marks for 75% of the month, they got a $10 gift card. For 95%, they got a $20 gift card. They could get an extra $5 if they went above 95% or completed additional tasks not on the list. On days they were late, they gave us a quarter!
To be successful, children must continue to complete their daily challenges or there will be consequences. This helps them keep their eye on completion and get ready for new challenges.
Also in the December 18, 2007 Issue of The Evangel
» Frank and to the Point
» Christmas Eve Communion Services
» Our Holiday Schedule
» Reserve Sanctuary Flowers for 2008
» Moving Them Toward Independence
» Craft Your Christmas! Wrap-Up
» Living FREE
» January Staff
» 2007 Contribution Deadlines
» Wedding Invitation
» Crow's Corner
» Parents Night Out
» January Bible Study
» This Week in Worship
