Explore the world...with your kids

Ever wanted to travel...with your kids....around the world? Count me in! It sounds so crazy but exotic but the best way for a kid to really learn about life. Read this story of a family of 8 who travels the world and how you can start living your legend. http://liveyourlegend.net/travel-the-world-with-family-of-8/

Check lists

If you check it, they will come. My girls Love lists. So this week I created one for the morning routine and another for the evening.

This has helped us keep track of all the tasks and activities that need to occur so we can make the bus and get to bed. It's also a great way for them to be more independent and manage their time. 

I also made a quick one today of some chores. I let them decide on the consequences if they didn't finish by 130pm. Here's my hastily written list.

They have a few hours to do all of this and I am not going to micro manage them. I promise. Let's see how the do!

Habit 7 — Sharpen The Saw

Balance Feels Best. What you role model and teachI:  take care of my body by eating right, exercising and getting sleep. I spend time with family and friends. I learn in lots of ways and lots of places, not just at school. I find meaningful ways to help others.  All the 7 habits - http://www.theleaderinme.org/the-7-habits-for-kids

Habit 6 — Synergize

Together Is Better

Here's what you teach and role model: I value other people’s strengths and learn from them. I get along well with others, even people who are different than me. I work well in groups. I seek out other people’s ideas to solve problems because I know that by teaming with others we can create better solutions than anyone of us can alone. I am humble.

Habit 5 - understand

Habit 5 — Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood. Here's what you role model: I Listen Before I talk. I listen to other people’s ideas and feelings. I try to see things from their viewpoints. I listen to others without interrupting. I am confident in voicing my ideas. I look people in the eyes when talking.

I am a huge offender of this one. I L O V E to give advice, suggestions...working on pausing and biting my tongue. 

Habit 4 — Think Win-Win

Everyone Can Win.
You role model and teach:  I balance courage for getting what I want with consideration for what others want. I make deposits in others’ Emotional Bank Accounts. When conflicts arise, I look for third alternatives.

I want most of the girls' toys out of the house. Like now. So I asked the girls to consider some options. They decided on creating two bins: one for charity and one for storage.  Belle wanted one bin but Janae wanted to put some toys in the shed. The deal is if she asks to play with the ones unseen in a year, then they stay, if not, then off to Goodwill. 

Grab the kids and watch this short Wreck it Ralph video on Win-Win thinking. 

Habit 3 — Put First Things First.

Habit 3 — Put First Things First.  Here is what you teach and role model:  Work First, Then Play. I spend my time on things that are most important. This means I say no to things I know I should not do. I set priorities, make a schedule, and follow my plan. I am disciplined and organized. ACTION - Have your child make a list of important roles - soccer player, student, member of the family, etc, schedule activities around these roles. Here are some coloring pages.  You talk, they color.

Habit 2 - Have a plan

7 habits for happy kids by Sean Covey. Habit 2 — Begin with the End in Mind. Here's what you teach and role model:  
Have a Plan. I plan ahead and set goals. I do things that have meaning and make a difference. I am an important part of my classroom and contribute to my school’s mission and vision. I look for ways to be a good citizen.

crayon making

Make new crayons from recycled ones!

Yes, you and the kiddies can make crayons. Too easy. Take the wrappers off your broken crayons, place them in greased muffin tins. Place in a 275 degree oven for about 10 minutes.  Pour into lightly oiled (they pop out easier) candy molds or into cookie cutters placed on a foil lined cookie sheet. Then put them in the freezer for another 10 minutes.  Instant fun and crazy colored crayons.  Great inexpensive recycled Christmas gifts.

we fly

We got back from "the land" last week and the girls flew for the first time.  Here are seven fly tips to ease your trip with the kiddies.  1.  Bring snacks like trail mix and fruit.  Or you could buy an airplane meal for $10.  2. Huh?  I said, ear plugs work.  They will slowly equalize pressure against the eardrum. Try Flents ear stopples eco-friendly ones.  3.  Stuff an extra shirt in your purse.  Your baby could throw up from the turbulence.  4.  Save money and stow your kid's luggage on the plane.  5.  Pass out the gum or sip water.  Swallowing and yawning as the plane is pressurized opens the ear-to-throat connection. 6.  Pack a small blanket for plane naps. 7.  Bring crayons, pencils and workbooks to pass the time.  The kiddies will love to pull the seat table to play.  Have fun!