I was fortunate to be able to share the story about Children’s Miracle Music here on the local ABC TV channel. So now it is good to build the buzz about how kids chores can be a fun part of family activities.
I guess I am not surprised now that other folks are amazed that kids housekeeping really can get done automatically – with NO nagging!
Do let me know your questions and thoughts about getting the kids chores done in your family – in the comments section below.
All my best,
Christine
Kendra asked a great question that many other parents have too:
“My children tend to “dream big” and are wanting to pick costly dates. How have you helped to set the expectation that a date could be going to Home Depot with dad and getting a treat?”
Well, I’m glad you asked about the dates. You can gain the most amazing benefit from playing the Children’s Miracle Music game by going on the right kind of “Private Dates”. These dates should only be spaces of time where all attention can be given to each other regardless of the place or function of the date. For instance, a “movie” date is out since the attention is given to the movie screen. A date where a child just comes along with his parent who has his focus on the errand he is running is out. One of my favorite “Private Date” memories happened when my daughter and I weren’t able to go on the date she had set for her “Goal” and we ended up at the only place that was open. It was Smith’s grocery store. We bought an ice cream cone and walked around the store with no other agenda than to laugh with each other. We played with the stuffed animals and made them talk as we laughed uncontrollably and ended up swinging on the porch swing that was set up inside the store. This was about seven years ago. My daughter is all grown now and has moved out of the house. I don’t remember what we talked about that day but I do remember the feeling of closeness that we gained – and so does she. We were gone for only about an hour and spent about $1.50.
Another one of my favorite dates was with my son. We didn’t have time or money to go out with all seven children every two weeks so we let them choose an “out of home” date once a month. The other dates were “in home” ones. This date was an “in home” date. I put a sock in the door to lock the other kids out of my son’s room and then put a large blanket on the floor. We played swap and ate treats while we talked and laughed together. Even though we didn’t ‘go’ anywhere, the same closeness was gained because we followed the rule to only focus on each other without interruption or secondary agenda. These kinds of dates build the forever emotionally close relationships that we have families for in the first place. I hope these examples help. We will be posting more great “Private Date” ideas soon and would love to hear first-hand from you about some of the best private dates you have had with your children.
Please leave comments and questions here in the blog comment section. (Click the link at the bottom of the post.)
All My Best,
Christine
Quality time is very important in keeping the family together. But oftentimes, most parents find it hard to cherish and experience precious moments with their children. The heavy demands of work coupled with stress and pressure seem to prevent family members from enjoying the company of each other. What most parents fail to notice is that they can connect with their children through every day activities as simple as housekeeping.
Kids housekeeping does not need to be a dreaded chore for parents or children. Kids housekeeping can be enjoyable and fun if you apply the right approach. It’s an opportunity for kids and parents to show their love and care while having fun at home. My approach is to make it all a game – and to use the Children’s Miracle Musicto set the pace, the tasks and the sequence. Each chore is an ‘act of kindness’. Children are responsible for different rooms in the home, and become active participants in maintaining the whole home environment. This is way better than nagging!
Housekeeping for children is a time for parents and siblings to show support to each other. And for each of the chores completed – using the Children’s Miracle Music game, everyone earns points towards their goals. The most important goals for children to achieve are private dates – where they can spend quality time with either Mom or Dad. This is a time when emotional bonds can grow and richer relationships unfold.
Welcome To A New World – Where Kids Do The Housework
Hi, I'm Christine Mullins, the proud mother of seven children. Over the years I've experienced all the joys, struggles, mistakes and successes that go with that role.
I've dealt with the challenge that every parent faces: how to get your children to do their chores, get themselves ready for the day on time, and get to bed on time in the evening.
After years of trial and error, plus extensive research and testing, Children's Miracle Music was born.
I'm passionate to help parents succeed in bringing up confident, healthy and happy children.
This blog is about my journey -- to share the inside story on children's motivation, home organization, family fun and harmony ...and lots more too. I hope you will join the conversation with comments and questions - here on this blog and on my Website.
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