Our Family Motto

We, the Peterson Family:

Promise to be honest in all we do and say,

Stand tall and righteous throughout each day.

Serve around the world and in our home,

Give thanks for blessings we’ve been shown.

We’ll work as a team with joy and love,

And honor our Heavenly Father above.

Saturday, January 2, 2010

My Workbook

The way this works.

Every week will be the beginning of a new educational and inspirational theme.

Day one can begin on whatever day is convenient for your family. I will base this book around a Monday through Friday week. The first day of the “week” will be the designated preparation day.

Take this opportunity to go to the library, buy the necessary items needed from the store, and any other business one needs to attend to. This may end up being the most hectic and tiring day but take advantage of every opportunity to teach while out in the world. Let the children explore the library and become comfortable with the customs and proceedings surrounding the local facility. Many libraries provide workshops, reading time, and musical presentations all for free!

When out running errands be mindful of teaching moments. For example: While in the grocery store teach little ones to recognize colors and count items that go in the basket. For older children, give them certain responsibilities such as reading the grocery list or finding items on each row. Teach children about healthy habits and encourage nutritious eating.

If cleaning and yard work fall on this day make sure the children are involved in some way. Children learn at a very early age the meaning of “help” and “clean up”. The sooner the child is introduced into habits of teamwork and cooperation the easier it will be to build upon and sustain as life’s tasks become larger and more complex. (And the messes become bigger) We all want to raise respectful, diligent children. Why not start now?

Always remember to “think green” and utilize re-usable bags. Recycle cans and paper products. Running errands can be fun and rewarding. Try to be organized and stick to the task! One might even want to clip coupons! With the extra money saved one could splurge on a treat! (Or date night- what a concept!)

On the other days of the week have fun preparing for and executing activities. Activity time doesn’t have to be a certain amount of time. Do what works for your family. Even a 10 minute activity can teach lasting lessons. The purpose of this book is to give families a resource for finding ways to teach and inspire each other. Sometimes the greatest memories revolve around a single fleeting moment.

End each day with a family meal. Use this time to talk about the things everyone enjoyed during the day. Go over lessons learned and restate the purpose for the day’s activity. Before bed read 2 pages from the Family Book of Mormon, using the questions at the bottom to stimulate discussion. Top it all off with family prayer, kisses and hugs.

It is my hope that this book will bring families closer together- united in love. May it stimulate a desire for adventure and expand the minds of every member of your family!

Thank you.

Let the fun begin!

3 comments:

  1. What an inspired idea, and perfect title, Chan. I will love reading this with you and so many others for creative ideas for children. Kudos!
    MOM

    ReplyDelete
  2. Really neat! I can't wait to see this come to life. You are such a good mommy!

    ReplyDelete
  3. SWEET! I am way excited for this! Thank you for sharing all your great ideas to help everyone else in motherhood, that is so sweet of you! It will be hard to keep up with you Super Mommy!

    ReplyDelete