In our home – we believe that children should help out around the house (not be in charge of all the chores).  Big jobs become small jobs when many hands help.  We want to raise our children to understand that they are responsible for their mess(es) and should not soak in laziness because they do not have to pick up after themselves.  I personally believe if you become your children’s maid then they will naturally become lazy adults and laziness is a sin.

We have “daily chores” that are expected to be completed – and “weekly chores” that we reward with payment – only if the chores were finished without being asked. We’re really trying to work on habitual cleaning / serving in the home and taking responsibility for tasks.  “I forgot” is dangerously close to passive aggressive disobedience.  If my 8yr old can recite the TV Guide a week in advance – chances are he remembered to do chores but simply neglected to do them.

make bed / clean up room

clean bathroom (clothes, towels & sink)

Car (remove all snack wrappers, food, books, papers, etc. from backseat of car – because I don’t sit back there)

Laundry – drag his hamper to laundry room. Depending on how I’ve left laundry – the 8yr old is asked to load the washer or flip to drier.  We have front loaders so this is super easy.

Many times my son would hide piles of clothes and try to neatly organize clutter.  I expressed my concern about his trying to get out of cleaning – which is being disobedient.  We’d say, “clean as if Jesus where coming over”.  Eventually it turned into him coming out of his room to declare, “it’s Jesus clean”!!


Allowance – surprisingly, this is such a touchy subject with parents.  My opinion – hard work is rewarded in the bible – “‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” Matthew 25:23

“We are more more more, than conquerors through Him who loved us – through Him who loved us! What can separate us from the love of God who is in Christ Jesus – nothing nothing, nothing nothing – YEAH”!

Last year I was introduced to Seeds Family Worship by Erin, (Home with the Boys attending the Relevant conference).  I thought the idea of singing scripture was nice – especially since Seeds tagline is “Planting the seed of God’s Word in the heart’s of families”.  Definitely sounded like a better alternative to the Wiggles cd we played for my oldest child years ago.  

Talk of the new cd’s release (by the 2:1 Conference website) – peeked my interest because of the title, Character.  I figured Seeds would be a hit with my 3&1/2 yr old – he is auditory and loves music. The day we put the cd in the car I hurried an explanation for my 8 yr old – knowing he would not enjoy it.

We had quit Classical Conversations just a few months earlier because he hated to sing the memory work.  He would rather repeat the history sentences and was terribly embarrassed when the instructor insisted he sing them during class.

Two weeks after receiving the Seed’s cd you’d enjoy a glimpse inside our car!  My husband, my 2 boys, and I cruising around happily singing along – oh yes, we have become that family!  And our competitive nature can’t wait to see who can sing Track 12 – The New Testament Song – at the top of our lungs - correctly!  

I asked my husband why he likes Seeds.  He said, “I like the results.  I like that its a fun way for the kids to memorize bible verses and something we can do together as a family”.
I asked my 8yr old why he likes Seeds.  He said, “Its good music and easy for me to find verses in the bible.  I can just sing a song in my head and know where to go now”.

I appreciate that the chapter and verse(s) are also included in the song’s lyrics!  It is a joy to hear my boys singing God’s Word !!  Seeds uses the ESV translation – which I personally do not mind – (we use the NASB).

It pleases me greatly the boy’s favorite song is The Fruit (track 4) – Galatians 5:16 & 22 and both boys love to sing “But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control”.  Hearing the boys hum this song around the house you can’t help but feel peaceful and want to be kind!  My 8 yr old has started to point out when something/someone is not practicing kindness.

Seeds is a great addition and I am thankful it is requested once the car starts!  Christian radio stations are fantastic – but when you travel out of the area it’s hit or miss.  I’m looking forward to buying some of the other cds!

Check out The Homeschool Village for a discount code on your Seeds purchases!

*Please note that I have been provided a complimentary copy of this resource by The Homeschool Village specifically for review purposes.
   

H is for Home.  There is no way around it … whether you call it homeschooling or home education – you are teaching in your home.  I realize some homeschoolers attend co-ops and umbrella schools, but some time during the week they are HOME.

So – what is the status of your home?  Are you praying over your home?  Do you pray in each room – that kindness is spoken and love is showered  upon children?  Are you thankful for the home you currently reside in – or take it for granted?

Homeschooling tends to get rushed and stressful when I have to juggle many balls.  Rushing about to get caught up on cleaning and teaching lessons is not ideal for me.  Putting off lessons to find clean clothes through piles of laundry baskets, or making room for an open book – are all very stressful, time consuming obstacles that can be easily avoided.

We do not have a “classroom” so we complete assignments at the dining room table.  I was lazy last year and kept the books on a pile at the end of the 6 person table when the 4 of us would eat.  My husband was always looking at our supplies while eating a meal.  

We finally discussed utilizing the office space (adjacent from the dinning room).  The shelving helped organize our space and after each lesson we cleaned up the books and supplies so the room could function as it was meant to be and our home did not look like a bomb shelter.

Homeschooling can be stressful without having to worry about clutter! Don’t let a mess add to the stress - enjoy your home.  Many – many – people are without one (and not just because of homelessness, I’m talking natural disasters, loss of jobs, etc.) Any one of us can have our homes taken away — value what you have and enjoy it by making it a safe, clean, enjoyable place!

May I suggest praying over your home.  Praying in your “classroom”.  Praying in every room of the house – especially your children’s bedrooms!  Pray for a hedge of protection around your home!  For strife to die at the front door and never enter your home.  For your home to be a place where God is honored.  ”… as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” Joshua 24:14

G is for Geography - Link up tomorrow your state sign photo!!