The last part of our series we will talk about child training and summer routines. Child training is important to focus on each day, not just when they are bad.
Focusing on individual habits in the summer allows mom’s (or dad’s) to creatively work on solutions with their children. The homeschool year is hectic with activities and homeschooling so placing a focus on them in the summer time is a good idea.
How does a summer routine help with child training? Well, if we routinely stay on top of chores, project lists, memories, and the overall morning routines then we have time to work on other areas of character growth. Training children is ongoing and requires an overall picture that happens a little each time. Parents may avoid going to restaurants or the grocery store with little kids due to their listening skills.
Not me.
One other way that I train my boys’ is to take them to the grocery store all at once. For instance ,we were at the grocery store and I asked the kids to not walk in front of the cart as we went into traffic. My older two boys were not listening, so right outside of the grocery store we practiced listening. Not more than twice, but when I was ready to move forward my two boys age 8 and 5 were next to the cart. We can’t move on to the next part in our day if I have complete chaos. When we practice at the grocery store, or public area’s like restaurants it is usually with a discussion or conversation on what could have been different.
In this day and age it makes me too nervous having my children running around and not close to me.
Each of my boys’ have had their moments in public, but my toddler requires more patience and time in the obedience area.
Modeling Behaviors
Children need to be taught manners, behaviors, and self control. Self control needs to be practiced and modeled. Manners and behavior need to be modeled for them and that comes from us….the parents! If you want your children to sit still during a movie, help them by modeling that behavior during a movie.
Practice Child Training
- Have a movie night each week.
- Go over the expectations with each child.
- Give a clear and reasonable time frame. (toddlers will not and should not have to sit quietly through an entire movie).
- Arrange a reward.
If the children sit still for the allotted time given to the age appropriately allow them to have a reward.
Reward Ideas
- 30 min. longer to stay up.
- Candy or popcorn to finish out the movie.
- They get to pick a movie they like next week.
- Lots of hugs and kisses.
Remind each child young or old that you are working on their self control. Children understand more than what we give them credit.
When you see progress at the end of the summer tell them you are proud. Go through the steps of progress that you notice. They will see the progress also and want to continue to please mom or dad.
Child Training
- Sit still until the timer goes off.
- No touching anyone around your space.
- Stay in your spot.
- No talking during the movie.
These steps are attainable and achievable. A great reward would be to take the family to see one of the summer blockbuster movies. Remember to tell each child how happy you are to be able to go to the movies as a family.
Children can see how summer routines help them achieve more out of their summer. Having a quick talk with them about progress while practicing good behavior will remind them WHY it is important to become a little better at something each day.
Progress
Helping without being asked.
Showing kindness to someone other than a family member
In our home some of the child training included obedience. When the children started to listen the first time and not continue playing was the pivotal point that I noticed a breakthrough.
Continuing on with what we had been working on with obedience I reminded them to not backslide but continue in their obedient path.
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