Lori's Blog

So, let me continue with the list I started yesterday on parenting.

5. DATE NIGHT! When we were younger and poorer, we could not afford dinner out even once a week. But, we found plenty of 'free' things to do, like hike, people watch at the mall, work out, stroll, visit friends and other ideas that didn't cost money. We now do go out once a week for a "date". The best thing any couple can do to have a happy family is to have a strong, romantic, secure marriage! My kids fuss when we go out but in the long run, we are happier and more peaceful with them. They also learn that the world does NOT revolve around them - something I think is lost in today's society.

6. PRAY,PRAY,PRAY,PRAY! I pray for all my children and husband every day. They need Jesus and they need His help and presence every day at school.

7. MODEL,MODEL,MODEL! This is where we as parents fail the most. We need to model Jesus to our children, to our spouse, and to the world. I am certainly not perfect, but I try to keep this in the forefront of my mind. We also share with them everyday scripture that relates to their lives.

8. Talk with others. We all have things our children do that embarrass us or we are ashamed to tell others about. And yet, many of us are or have been through the same thing. We should seek wise counsel and listen to one another without judgment and build up one another as parents. We should then pray for each other.

9. Give many opportunities for spiritual growth. Our children attend a charter school and so it is even more important for us to share Jesus and the Bible with them every day. They also hear political, social, scientific and other issues that we don't agree with and they need to learn critical thinking. They also need to know what the Bible says about these things. Church is also a requirement not an option.

Well, I'm sure I could go on and on but these are the biggies. Again, they are my opinion and what works in our family. Kevin and I desire first and foremost that they grow up to be Godly men and women who serve Him, and educated, good citizens of this country.

God bless!
Lori

It's been two weeks since my last blog. It is amazing what a snow storm, Kevin out of town (AGAIN!) and six children with strep can do to consume a schedule. Whew! I'm so glad last week is over and Kevin will be done with traveling for a while on Friday. The kids are also doing much better.

I often get a lot of,"How do you do it?" questions when I tell people I have six children. They range in age from 2 to 17. We joke around about going from college to potty training in the same conversation. So, here are my opinions on having a large family, but also parenting in general.

1. Don't expect a perfectly clean,straightened up,organized home. My home is clean but it regularly needs picking up from all the "stuff". When each person puts one thing down times eight people, that's eight items cluttering a room. However, I am not OCD about it. Sometimes the laundry doesn't get done right away or the floor gets in need of vacuuming. Most of my friends know either to call ahead or not expect a "company ready" house when dropping by.

2. Chores! All my kids have age appropriate chores. And the interesting thing is they are in the minority at school. I am shocked by the number of kids who are not even responsible for picking up their room. My kids do things from the dishwasher, sweeping, picking up their stuff, vacuuming, putting laundry away and bathroom duty. I still do the heavy stuff and help out with the little ones but even the two year old has to help put toys away.

3. Schedule. We come home do homework, practice music lessons, do chores and THEN play! We also fit in tutoring and going to violin/piano lessons into the after school schedule. Usually, the above takes a total of 90 minutes with the exception of my high schooler. He breaks his homework into two sections and the second one he does after 8:00. But from 5:00 until bedtime the kids play, eat supper, watch a little TV, play video games, go outside, read etc. Believe me they get plenty of play time, especially on the weekends. Our dining room table, transforms to the homework table and I work with them, read, pay bills and other "work" activities at the table while they work.

4. Fun! We have lots of fun. We would lose our sanity otherwise. We play games, Kevin rough houses with the boys, we enjoy music together, cook together, run around together and have fun. We limit the kids activities to one sport, music, church, friends and school so they have plenty of time for fun.

I will finish my ideas on my next blog.
Have a great day!