My wife and I are often asked how manage 7 kids; a point of emphasis for us is encouraging cheerful ownership around the home. The coming of spring signals change in the air, and with it a change in family rhythms and duties. I remember my dad emphasizing to my siblings and I the importance of caring for our farm without being told to, picking up the baling twine here or the dog pile over there.
Last week we borrowed from the past and held a family meeting with our kids to discuss the responsibility we all share to keep our home in good working order. We decided to relate at the dinner table each night one contribution each person made to our home that day that went above and beyond the normal scope of duty.
The very next day my 2-year-old grabs the drill and attempts to tighten down all the bar stool screws. While it may be another year before he’s effective on that specific task the message was received!
