First off I want to say...I AM NO EXPERT! And honestly....my kids are still very little so I don't even have much "in the field" training. So if you are looking for an answer or proof of any kind...you might as well stop reading! I can only write from my personal experiences growing up and what we have dealt with so far. However, this is sort of my way of putting pen to paper and making some goals for our family, not only for 2014 but for every year. I also reserve the right to change my mind and amend these as we go...haha! Isn't that what parenting is all about? You do the best you can with the resources available.
I have been doing a lot of thinking and praying in regards to how we are raising our kids and what are the best things to implement. I have listened to hours and hours of experts and speakers give all sorts of advice. This is my way of taking the pieces that I think will work for us and organizing them in one place. Since our kids are young, we figure this is a good time to start some things. Also we are getting past the " I just need to survive this day" age (you know the days of no sleep, kids crying for no reason, making bottles, changing diapers, never showered today, well haven't showered all week...kind of days!) Our kids are getting to the age where we can start to see their personalities come out. We also are beginning to have to work on their hearts...not just a list of what to do and what not to do. Attitude is in full swing!
As I started to write this, Berlynn began to scream "me me me me me" as she begged for breakfast. Yes I think it is safe to say entitlement has crept into this family. Our kids are so spoiled. I mean really they are without want! They have electronics, they have expensive toys, a closet FULL of clothes, more backyard toys than any yard needs. I am not saying I bought them all new, honestly I buy very little new, call me cheap but I stick to used most of the time. This was my excuse for spoiling the kids. I used this as a way to justify the amount of things that came into the house. I mean that toy costs $49.99 at Walmart and I found it for $4.99 at the Salvation Army. So I am not spoiling my kids. It's not like they need it but well...it was cheap! My kids don't need new clothes but I will fill my cart to the brim on 69 cent day at the thrift store! I mean why not right?!?!
But it started getting me thinking about the deeper issues. My kids don't understand the concept of money but they do see all their stuff. They see lots and lots of toys and things, and they don't care if they cost $1 or $100. What can I do to teach them values? To teach them that hard work and putting money in the bank is more gratifying than homes filled to the brim?
Right now we are waiting for our household goods to arrive. Basically our rooms are empty. I did go buy a few toys at the local Goodwill but everything we own in this house right now could fit in one room and we would still have space left over. You would think we would be miserable.
But actually the opposite. We are quite happy. It takes me no time at all to clean the house. This gives me so much more time with the kids. They can actually clean up their room each night before bed without help! It's wonderful. Now don't get me wrong, I couldn't live this simply forever. It has been challenging not having some things (like a microwave and pots and pans...did you know you can melt butter in the oven!!) Anyway, we will be grateful to have some things back. But Jordan and I have decided, we really like the simplicity of less clutter. Our kids enjoy the things they do have and we are forced outdoors more.
This is just part one of several posts I plan on writing over the next few days. If anyone has comments or suggestions of ways to cut back, please leave them below!
But to finish up with what the title said about fishing...that is one great way Jordan's parents taught he the importance of patience and commitment. His dad took him out in the water from the time he was very young. He had to sit still and there wasn't instant gratification.
We have decided our kids will learn to fish. Not only is it a good skill, but it is a fun family activity. It is something we can all do together or use as a great teaching tool for one on one time with dad! There is no guarantee of a fish on the end of that pole. Sometimes the kids may be disappointed. But that's life. There will be times they will surprise us all and one of them might hook a big one! Again...that's life...the fun part of life!
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