Homeschool Facts

I have rules in my house and one of them is “no computer time before school”. However, this morning two of my kids asked me to bend the rules for them. They got together and schemed to get their way, by tidying their rooms, packing their lunches and being ready for school very early with all chores done. Then they came to me with the big question…

“Mum, we would like a go on the computer. We have tidied our rooms, done our chores and we are ready for school. Please can we have a turn on the computer?” I replied, “If you can tell me how you will split your time so there will be no fighting I will consider your request”. The boys went away and thought for a minute then came back with their plan. Sam first, Kieren second.

Now why would I tell them to figure it out for themselves? This is empowering them to make their own decisions and actually helping to prepare them for adult life. They will need to have negotiating skills in their adult life, and they were actually proving to me by this request that they were learning this ability all by themselves.

The end result was that the kids were still out the door to school by 8am. So, what do you think may happen if the kids came back another day and asked for the same privilege? They have proven to be faithful once so I reckon I might even give them another try if they ask for it another day. We shall see.

Our kids need to know that their quality of life is directly related to the amount of effort they put in, and that is why I reward my kids whenever I see they are putting in a big effort. In the adult world, hard workers get rewarded. You work hard and you get a pay rise or promotion. That is the way the world works. And if you help teach your kids this important principle they will be well equipped for the adult world when they get there. You will be giving them a great head start and they will thank you later on in life.

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