In an ideal world would be able to work on only the things that are on our radar, but as we know life is seldom that way. By that I mean that all of the things we do without our children still need to be done with children. Which on it's own can make following the summer contract mentioned in a previous blog a challenge at moments. So these are the tricks I have used to help her get her chores done and not be penalized for my needing to take care of family errands, or business. First the night before, I tell her that we have to go do Y, W, and Z etc...and I tell her that the goal is to get A, B, C done before we go, although this is subject to change, as it has today, I have set the expectation for her. Next I remind her that because we are on the road she will be able to use a cell phone to stream or play on her DS while we are out in order to get in her free time that is interrupted by the need to accomplish these other task.
I use this approach in part because if we look at it honestly if we were not running errands work would already be done. Knowing this, I have no issue with making this compromise. There are also other approaches that can be used, for example for my daughter physical activity is a part of her contract, and since today is another day full of errands, we will be walking outside, instead of doing inside equipment to meet her requirements. This of course accomplishes two things, it allows her to soak up some sun and fresh air and gets her exercise in. The unintended benefit is it also puts us into town sooner and allows for parent/child time which is important for all of them no matter what the age.
Don't be afraid to compromise on the contract itself if it creates a mutual benefit to the both of you, in our case, my daughter feels as though her desire to create, and play games, and watch what she enjoys is being validated as important to her parents, which it is because she enjoys doing it, and I am able to develop a sense of corporation that allows for a more peaceful day. Which allows for a more productive way as well.
I use this approach in part because if we look at it honestly if we were not running errands work would already be done. Knowing this, I have no issue with making this compromise. There are also other approaches that can be used, for example for my daughter physical activity is a part of her contract, and since today is another day full of errands, we will be walking outside, instead of doing inside equipment to meet her requirements. This of course accomplishes two things, it allows her to soak up some sun and fresh air and gets her exercise in. The unintended benefit is it also puts us into town sooner and allows for parent/child time which is important for all of them no matter what the age.
Don't be afraid to compromise on the contract itself if it creates a mutual benefit to the both of you, in our case, my daughter feels as though her desire to create, and play games, and watch what she enjoys is being validated as important to her parents, which it is because she enjoys doing it, and I am able to develop a sense of corporation that allows for a more peaceful day. Which allows for a more productive way as well.
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