Organic Families

UPDATE!

2012-02-10T21:13:00.001-08:00

For those of you requesting the job cards, I promise I haven't forgotten you!

We have had so much going on lately but I am slowly trying to get caught up.

They are coming!

Thank you for your patience!

Grandma's survival kit...

2012-01-31T05:18:00.000-08:00

I just got back from a long weekend with my husband in Atlanta. We flew his mother out to take

care of our kids and hold down the fort.

Caring for 6 kids is not easy...at all

so we came up with a little 'grandma's survival kit'.

Complete with facial and foot scrubs, gloves, lotions, flowers and of course the completely

detailed schedule.

Thank goodness for grandmas!

Fun ideas to help kids clean...

2012-01-25T06:15:00.000-08:00

I have been collecting some fun clean ideas for awhile and have used most of these on my kids and I must say they ALL work!

Good luck

and

here's to a happy clean house!

Fun ideas to help kids clean

Set up the twister mat placing small jobs on many of the dots. Have the kids stand back and throw a beanbag and they run to do the job they landed on.

Have your child work for the purpose of surprising a family member.

Edit a board game with jobs on different spaces and shake the dice or spin your way to cleaning. This works better with smaller jobs.

For a quick clean up of the house, put an ice cube in a pan on low and see if the kids can finish their chores before it melts.

Blindfold your kids and see if they can still clean.

Have children draw a job out of the hat and have them do that job for the next 20 minutes. Pretend to be the health inspector and reward the children if the job is done to your satisfaction.

Red light/green light cleaning works well too.

Hide a small object in a messy room. Have the kids clean until they find it.

Make the younger kids sock puppets to help you clean. They are good for dusting and picking up toys.

If your child wants to help you wash a window, have them stand on the opposite side of the window and mimic your hand movements. It’s a good way to get them to wash their entire side of the window.

Dash for trash (or toys) Give each child a bag, pillowcase or bucket and the child to get the most items in their bag in one minute gets to pick what to have for dinner that night.

Have your child pick a number out of a hat, then each child picks up that number of objects around the house and puts them away.

Freeze tag can be fun. Have each child clean until you yell freeze. Then tap two children on the shoulder to switch jobs and start cleaning again until you yell freeze and then choose two different children.

Call cleaning “attack the mess” and hide rewards around the house and have them clean until they find the reward.

Have the kids clean walking backwards. They love this challenge.

Desperate times call for desperate measures...

2012-01-06T21:56:00.000-08:00

One week after Christmas my kids are saying, "mom I'm bored, mom there's nothing to do, MOMMMMM!"
which makes me crazy and of course you don't want to spend any more money
after Christmas
and of course it's too cold outside
so you get an orange, paper cups and you have your own little bowling alley
which can keep kids occupied for hours!

Ahhh Happy Bowling!

Berenstein Bears and the politeness plan...

2011-12-30T15:03:00.000-08:00

I LOVE the Berenstein Bear books.

For Christmas I got my kids the book...

They have been glued to the TV since school has been on break and it really

drives me crazy! We have had to set limits which seems to be working. I love

how she tries to talk to them and they are frozen staring at the TV.

That is so my kids!

They also have a book called...

Awhile back I copied the mama bear's ideas and implemented

chores when my kids forgot their manners...

As Mark Twain said, "The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up"

Rules

2011-12-16T13:10:00.000-08:00

It has been crazy around here trying to get ready for the holidays! Where has the time gone? When we have a free momen, my husband and I have been reading some great parenting books, called 'Grow the Tree You Have' and 'Parking Lot Rules and 75 other ways to raise great children' by Tom Sturges.

He has some great ideas!

I found some of his rules and wanted to share them with you!

Thanks Tom!

Rule #1: Parking Lot Rules - page 3
Whenever you are in a parking lot, your children must stand right next to you.

Rule #2: Fingers Fingers - page 5
Teach your children to pull their hands back when they're getting in and out of the car when you call "Fingers fingers."

Rule #3: Grow The Tree You Got - page 6
We must separate our own expectations from those of our children.

Rule #4: Smile When You See Them: The Nancy Armato Rule - page 9
Smile-let your child feel welcome from the first moment he sees you.

Rule #5: Once Seen, Never Unseen - page 11
Protect your children from sad sights that will stay with them forever because once seen, never unseen.

Rule #6: Treat Her Like Your Boss - page 13
When you are completely fed up with your child, try treating him/her like you would with your boss.

Rule #7: Almost Always Skip The First Thing That Comes To Mind - page 15
A careless remark can leave a mark that lasts a lifetime. It's almost always best to skip the first thing that comes to mind.

Rule #8: Five Little Philosophies - page 17
Good philosophies can help children find strength and courage.

Rule #9: Make Life Promises and Keep Them - page 20
Inspire your children to believe and trust you; make life promises and keep them.

Rule #10: Every Day Stay Healthy - page 23
Do everything possible to avoid catching colds, even if it is a little embarrassing at times.

Rule #11: (The) Four Best Times To Wash Hands - page 25
1) When you come home 2) When you use the bathroom 3) Before/after you eat 4) When you go to bed

Rule #12: No Hands to the Face: (The) Bon Jovi Rule - page 27
No hands to the face. This is one of the rules the band follows when they are out on the road touring to ensure that no one gets sick from a strange germ in a strange land.

Rule #13: Why Germs Love Money - page 29
Handling money is one of the most common ways germs travel and infect your children.

Rule #14: Yes-Not-What: (The) Leslie Bricusse Rule - page 33
Leslie Bricusse is a great songwriter ("Goldfinger" and "Candyman" among them) and one of the most polite men in the world. Whenever he hears his name called out, he always answers "Yes" or "Yes, my love..." Try this with your children, and whenever they call out to you, answer them Leslie Bricusse style and always say "Yes!"

Rule #15: (The) Excellent Question Game - page 35
Encourage your child to play the Excellent Question Game.

Rule #16: (The) Twenty Second Explanation - page 38
When you explain things to your child, try to condense it within 20 seconds.

Rule #17: The Importance of Children Telling Stories - page 40
Good listening inspires good storytelling.

Rule #18: (The) Five Best Times To Talk To Your Child - page 42
Best time to talk to your child: 1)Bath Time 2)Drive Time 3) Bedtime 4) Wake-up Time 5) Anytime they want.

Rule #19: Lyric & Melody: It's Not Just What You Say, It's How You Say It - page 44

Rule #20: Yes It's Okay To Go Off Topic - page 47
It's okay to go off topic in a conversation with your child.

Rule #21: Four Things You Can Say With Your Hands - page 49
When voices are inappropriate, speak with your hands to tell your children you love them.

Rule #22: When You Get Upset, Whisper - page 52

Rule #23: Kids Court - page 55
Give both sides in a heated argument a chance to be heard and improve the chances of resolving things quickly. Kids Court Rule recommends that each child get two minutes to explain what happened, and that you listen well and make a judgement that lands somewhere in the middle.

Rule #24: Start The Conversation Over - page 59
Sometimes children need a second chance. When things seem frustrating start the conversation over.

Rule #25: (The) Other Side Of the Freeway - page 61
Teach you r child to measure how much we love and respect them by using metaphors, smiles, language and concepts they can understand.

Rule #26: (The) Whisper Game - page 69
Use the "Whisper Game" to remind children that they do not need to shout to be heard.

Rule #27: First Bite/Last Bite - page 72
Using the "First Bite/Last Bite" rule can help your children avoid developing fussy-eating complex, and gives them plenty of reasons to be courageous and more polite at the dinner table.

Rule #28: Three Essential Table Manners - page 75
1) Chew with the mouth closed 2) Talk with mouth empty 3)Hold a knife and fork like a painter holds a brush.

Rule #29: Reverse Dinners - page 77
"Reverse Dinners" can break the monotony of too many healthful green vegetables and make eating fun again.

Rule #30: Opposite Pointing - page 79
Teach your children about "Opposite Pointing", allowing them to point out everything interesting without offending the person being pointed at.

Rule #31: Say The Awkward With A Question - page 81
Teach your child to say the awkward with a question.

Rule #32: The Significance of a Firm Handshake - page 84
Teach your child to give a firm handshake early on.

Rule #33: Thank You Notes - page 87
Encourage and facilitate the use of writing Thank-You Notes.

Rule #34: (The) Bill Walton Rule - page 89
If you can't be on time, be early.

Rule #35: Please And Thank You Races - page 91
Please and Thank You Races tell your child the importance of being polite and well-mannered at a restaurant table.

Rule #36: Dessert Demerits - page 93
Desert Demerits is a way to make eating politely one of the first things you child think about when eating.

Rule #37: Angels Angels Everywhere - page 94
Tell your children that there are angels everywhere to teach your children to be patient and understanding with those who are different from them, particularly people who are enduring difficult circumstances.

Rule #38: (The) John Elway Rule - page 99
Whenever you are going to be in a crowd, make sure that you child is easy to spot by dressing him in the jersey of your favorite NFL player.

Rule #39: Stay Where You Are and Fly Like An Angel - page 101
Teach your child if they get lost, to "stay where they are and fly like an angel."

Rule #40: Walk Big And Tall - page 104
Parents should dress as distinctively as possible when we are taking our children to crowded places.

Rule #41: Matching Wrist Bands - page 105
In any large group, brightly colored wristbands can easily serve to identify all of the members.

Rule #42: Dog Tags - page 106
Have your child wear "Dog Tags" especially for a trip that lasts several days in a foreign city.

Rule #43: (The) Caboose Rule - page 108
To keep your children in sight, assign a designated adult or an older child to be the last one in the group.

Rule #44: Anonymous Clothing/Anonymous Cars - page 110
It's a dangerous world for children. Give them a little protection via pure anonymity and never put names on clothes or car windows or anywhere that would allow a stranger the advantage.

Rule #45: Your Child Has To Know Where You Are - page 112

Rule #46: Keep 'Em Wired - page 114
Make it easy for your child to stay in touch when the family is going out- devise memorable methods for your child to contact you.

Rule #47: Buddy Diving - page 115
This is one of the fundamental lessons of safe scuba diving: always swim with a buddy. One way to ensure children never get lost on a trip is to have children of a like size or age always stay together, never more than an arms length apart.

Rule #48: (The) Truth Reduces The Punishment By 90% - page 119

Rule #49: (The) Ten Second Rule - page 122
Take ten seconds before you make your first move in punishing your child.

Rule #50: (The) List of Joys and the Threat of Discipline - page 124
Remind your child their list of joys would be taken away if he did not improve his grades.

Rule #51: Food and Punishment - page 126
Never deny your child food as part of any punishment.

Rule #52: No Reason To Hit - Ever - page 127

Rule #53: No Yelling Rules - page 128
No yelling at children.

Rule #54: (The) Power of Forgiveness - page 129
To make a foolish mistake is what children do. Let the power of forgiveness guide your parenting.

Rule #55: Whatever You Do, Avoid Tautology - page 132
Be clear when you tell your children what they did wrong; avoid tautology.

Rule #56: Five Non-Violent Yet Very Effective Punishments - page 133
1)Silent Treatment 2) Do Not Go To Your Room 3) The Writing Punishment 4) Make Him Apologize 5) Have Your Child Run Laps

Rule #57: Take The Pain Away - page 139
Use collective humor to "Take the pain away"

Rule #58: Slow Motion Replays - page 141
Use "Slow-Motion" to help your child laugh away his tears.

Rule #59: Freeze It Then Clean It - page 143
Use "Freeze it/Clean it" in the event of an injury.

Rule #60: My Big Fat Icy Greek Wedding - page 145
No matter what else it does for you injured child, ice does something immediately.

Rule #61: (The) Ground Is On Fire - page 147
Let your children believe "the ground is on fire" to encourage them in sports.

Rule #62: Squeeze My Hand As Much As It Hurts - page 149
After an injury, let your child squeeze your hand as much as it hurts for them.

Rule #63: Do Not Rush To End The Tears - page 151
When your child is in pain, just hold him in you arms and let him cry it out. There should be no rush to end the tears.

Rule #64: How To Put Out A Fire, Red Adair Style - page 153
Control dire situations by disrupting patterns and changing the agenda.

Rule #65: Team Sports: Sign 'Em Up - page 159
Sign your child up to play a team sport whenever there's a chance.

Rule #66: Game Day/Next Day - page 162
On the day of your child's game, or recital, or speech, or any important event, treat him or her like your hero, like you are living with Michael Jordan and taking him to the big game. Afterward, say nothing but kind things. Save all your comments, criticisms and suggestions until the next day.

Rule #67: Coaching Is A Privilege - page 164
If you want to make a difference in a child's life, become a good, respecting, and inspiring coach.

Rule #68: (The) ESPN Rule - page 167
Tell the story of your child's proudest efforts and moments over and over, but not for too long.

Rule #69: Complete Victories - page 170
Give your child the satisfaction of earning your unconditional praise.

Rule #70: Mandatory Attendance - page 172
Parents should try to attend every organized league game that their children play.

Rule #71: (The) Carryover of the Unrealized Dream - page 173
Try not to convert your child into your own unrealized dream.

Rule #72: Adjust The Level of Difficulty - page 175
Just like video games offer different levels of game-play, Let your child adjust all the aspects of difficulty during their playtime with you.

Rule #73: (The) Tap-Tap Rule - page 177
The game stops anytime anywhere when your child calls "tap tap."

Rule #74: No Dares - page 74
If your child has gotten into the habit of issuing dares, this is a habit worth losing.

Rule #75: Any Game/Any Time - page 181
Got a roomful of children and nothing to do? Any game any time is the rule for you. All you need are these four things: 1) a competition 2) lots of points and scoring 3) a distinct advantage provided for younger players 4) a very obvious finish line or ending point. Mix together with enthusiasm and off you go.

Rule #76: Courage and Encouragement - page 184
Encouraging our children at every chance will enable their courage to take root, grow and blossom.

12 days of Christmas for your spouse...

2011-12-08T18:35:00.000-08:00

I made this for my husband a couple of years ago, it's the twelve days of Christmas fun. I never took a

picture of the final present but it was pretty darn fun. Thought I would pass this along if anyone

wanted to use it.

ENJOY!

Dashing through the house...

2011-12-03T06:11:00.000-08:00

I have been hyper ventilating with the thought of Christmas so close.

I have a final due next week, shopping to finish (that I haven't even started), parties to attend,

pictures to take, Lasik surgery next week and SO ON!

AHHHH! Like this poem, I may be insanely busy but it still makes me smile to see Christmas lights,

hear Christmas music and even look at my to do list.

Dashing Through the House...

Dashing through the house-a million things to do

Got to get the shopping done-and make the fruitcakes too.

Christmas carols ring-making spirits bright!

It’s time for peace and joy on earth-so why am I up-tight?

Oh, running here-running there-running everywhere.

The party is tomorrow night-I’ve not a thing to wear.

Running here-running there- running everywhere

Got to get the laundry done and wash and curl my hair.

School is almost out-yeah-the kids will soon be home,

Christmas time will bring them back-no matter where they roam.

We’ve got to get the tree-and buy the turkey too.

Christmas Eve is almost here- I never will get through.

Oh, Hurry here! Hurry there!-have not time to stop

School just called, “Come get your son, he has the chicken pox!”

Make the beds, sweep the floor, wrap the presents too.

Dad just came home sick from work, I think he has the flu.

The sewing isn’t done- cookies are not made..

I guess I’ll have to stay up late…I wish I had a maid!!

SO many things half done-I started way too late.

I’m headed for the funny farm-just open up the gate.

Oh, running here!-running there! –running to and fro

Change the baby, clean the house-(I wish that it would snow!)

String the lights, pop the corn, make the candy too.

How I wish I had more time-there is so much to do.

Now dear, this won’t be hard-directions are right here…

You’ll have it done in nothing flat, there is no need to fear.

You say you need a wrench and bigger pliers too!!

I don’t know who had them last-you’ll have to make these do…!

Oh, running here!- running there!- cleaning up the yard

Write a note to friends we love and send the Christmas cards.

Make a list, check it twice, everybody here?

I love the glow of Christmas trees, they bring such joy and cheer.

And then I stop and think…although I have to run,

I’m glad to have so much to do..in fact it’s lots of fun.

The smiles of little tots, their eager, shining eyes,

The joy of love that Christmas brings are things you cannot buy.

Jingle bells, Jingle bells, Jingle all the way.

Oh, what fun it is to plan for a HAPPY HOLIDAY.

Jingle bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle all the way..

We wish your family JOY and PEACE and a HAPPY HOLIDAY!

(author unknown)

A fun way to entertain kids...

2011-11-28T11:23:00.000-08:00

Spending hours cooking for Thanksgiving or any meal can mean crazy, hungry and bored kids.

This Thanksgiving we set up 'game' stations to help entertain the kids (and some adults) until Thanksgiving dinner was ready. The stations were a hit!
(I got the miniature games at Party City!)

Conversation Cards...

2011-11-22T12:28:00.000-08:00

I printed these conversation cards years ago and LOVE them! You can download them from
the ever so talented Summer HERE

I have used them at each big dinner and it has been a blast to have everyone

answer all of the questions.

Pilgrims Blessing Mix

2011-11-17T17:45:00.000-08:00

My little one came home from preschool this week and

brought this cute Pilgrim Blessing Mix..

I typed up my own printable version below to give to neighbors or to just

have sitting out in a bowl on Thanksgiving day.

Enjoy!

Thanksgiving Place Cards...

2011-11-16T21:06:00.000-08:00

We have family coming to town and wanted to make some fun name place cards for

Thanksgiving Dinner...

We cut 4 x6 pieces of paper and had everyone write one thing about that person they

are thankful for...

We then placed their name tags on little glasses (shot glasses work fab for this!)

You fill it half way with some candy, snack or whatever you would like.

We even thought about after dinner mints.

We chose chocolate covered sunflower seeds (found at Party City)

They were the perfect color for a Thanksgiving dinner!

Add the note of gratitude and...

WHALAH...

A simple yet fun place card that they can snack on and enjoy the sentiments written from

everyone!

What are some ideas you are doing for place cards?

Children Learn What They Live

2011-11-14T20:47:00.000-08:00

Children Learn What They Live

If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.

If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.

If children live with ridicule, they learn to be shy.

If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty.

If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence.

If children live with praise, they learn to appreciate.

If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.

If children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness.

If children live with fairness, they learn justice.

If children live with security, they learn to have faith in themselves and others.

If children live with friendliness, they learn the world is a nice place in which to live.

-Dorothy Law Nolte