Teaching Children Responsibility

I am beginning to feel like this is turning into a book blog. Then again--would that surprise anyone who knew me?

So today's book: Teaching your Children Responsibility by Linda and Richard Eyre. I read the first section (about 60) pages last night and wanted to cry with relief. They had concrete ideas, tested on their own nine children, with examples and funny stories, to help teach your small child to obey. Glory, hallalujah. It might not work, mind you, but at least I have something to try!

Their premise is that before five, most kids don't really get the idea of obedience so much. But once they hit five you can really start practicing three vital types of obedience: doing what parents ask, finishing chores, and taking responsibility for their things.

So many great ideas. I have been going crazy with Miriam--so Tim said he would read the parts of the book I think are most important, help me devise a plan, and then, come April, we will start a new regime. Not too different from what we already do, with the primary difference of establishing house "laws" WITH Miriam--to help her feel ownership. I'm also going to change up the chore chart a little so the kids can choose their chore for the day from the ones I say need to be done. I forget how much people (even little people) like to have some control over their life.

Many great ideas--especially the story of Cheekey Monkey. I can't WAIT to have Timothy tell that one using one of our "Five Little Monkey" monkeys as a visual aid. Sure to be entertaining.

I will keep you posted on if this helps at all. In the meantime--everyone with kids nearing the five age--READ THIS BOOK!! Unless your kids are brilliantly obedient already. In which case, never mind.