My Family Wall

So, I've finally gotten my family wall done!!!  We have been using it for about 2 weeks and I can confidently say that it is working for us!  My house is picked up, the laundry is getting done, daily chores are being accomplished, rules are being followed, and biggest bonus, the kids LOVE it!!!

Let me explain:

Here is the picture of the whole wall.  All that is at the bottom is a shelf for the backpacks.

The printables came from:  Family Rules

House Rules

Love and Be Loved

Here is the nuts and bolts of our wall.  Obviously the calendar has enough space on each day to note special events, changes in schedule, appointments, school functions, etc.

During the school year, the 2 eldest children are only with us every other weekend.  For that reason, I designed this system without them and focused on the 3 younger children and providing them set boundaries, rules, and responsibilities.

We have narrowed down the consequences of actions so that the adults in the house no longer have to cajole, scream, holler, repeat instructions, and otherwise lose our minds trying to get them to complete their chores!  We only have one rule so far - work before play.  If they choose to play before their chores are done, consequences follow.  For each warning the resulting consequence increases.  The length of the time out is measured by a 'Time Out Bottle' (many recipes - mine takes about 5 minutes); it gives them a chance to think about the choices they are making and to refocus their attention.  The orange sticks that they pull are chores that no one wants to do, like clean the trash cans, wash the baseboards, clean a section of wall, etc.  The purple sticks all revolve around acts of love toward their siblings, writing them a poem, doing a chore for them, etc.

Because there are three of them, it is easy to assign each of them a specific day.  J has even days, D has odd days, and A has days divisible by 3.  On each of their days, they get all the privileges: riding in the front seat, choosing what games to play, controlling the TV, served first at dinner, etc.  However, before they get to enjoy the privileges, they have to complete the responsibilities on their day.  While the list may look long, it only takes about 15 minutes to accomplish everything except the weekly chore and shower.

These are their every day responsibilities.   The 15 min. fling is done after PJ's are on and before the 1/2 hour reading/journal/meditate time.  We set the timer and everyone picks up and puts away as many things as we can.  It actually only takes about 5 minutes since it stays pretty clean.  The 2 sticks are red and they are quick chores, fold the living room blankets, dust the electronics, etc. - they take less than 5 minutes to complete.  The weekly chores are completed by the owner of the day.  Because the days rotate so much no one person is stuck cleaning the bathroom and it solves the "I did it last time!" argument!

This is my favorite part of our wall.  On the right side is a place for notes from the adults to the children.  On the left side is a place for them to write 'Love you' notes to other members of the family.  The rule is that the note has to stay for one day before it is erased and another is written.  {Whispering} This is so that I can take a picture of each one and then put them into a book! I plan on naming it, "See, I  DO Love You" and giving them each a copy!

Like I said, we've been at this for about a week and 1/2. Their rooms are staying clean, the chores are getting done, there is definitely less fighting, and I'm not 'Harpy Mom' because they have no privileges until they have completed their work!  I'll keep you apprised!  

Let me know what you think by leaving a comment!  Thanks for reading - until next time.

Navigating through molasses

Do you ever feel like you are trudging up hill - through a river of molasses - in February? Then you can relate to my current state of mind!!!  I could continue with many cliches about how I am feeling, but I think that pretty much sums it up! Let me tell you where I am at....

I started out the year with a clear vision in my head of how I wanted the year to go (organized, prepared, focused, etc.).  It has not gone so well!!  My house is a disaster - I still have my Christmas bottles on my mantle - they should have been painted for February about 2 weeks ago.  I'm supposed to have my laundry room and my office done and organized - not even started!  I'm supposed to have a routine and a schedule and a family organization center - um..... nope!! There's more.....

On the other hand, I have started exercising every day, whether its yoga, strength training, walking the dogs, its something every day.  I've been drinking the amount of water that I am supposed to be drinking.  I've started teaching art in two more classrooms and am interviewing for a paid art position next week. I threw Jaidyn a really, really cool birthday party.  I worked 17 days in a row to help cover a situation at work.

After reviewing the month of January, looking at my goals and my vision, reflecting of progress made or not, and looking ahead at where I need to be, I have come to the conclusion that my life plan needs to be way more flexible that it is currently!  So, my 12 week plan has become more of an as I get it done plan.  I don't feel the need to beat myself up for not sticking to a set timeline.  Life happens daily and sometimes I am motivated to get things done and sometimes I'm not.  Yes, my life is chaotic; yes, it stresses me out; yes, changes need to be made.  But, no more timelines.

I have a renewed commitment to my goals. I can do this; I just have to navigate through the molasses.

Planning, Preparing, and Producing

I have been looking for the perfect planner to help me get and remain organized.  I do believe that I have found it!!  I have been able to adapt it to fit my lifestyle and needs.  The problem with a planner is that it doesn't maintain itself, therefore, it will required discipline and dedication.  The question is, how badly do I want the goal of being organized and prepared and ahead of the game rather than always chasing after.


The planner that I am using is called "The Passion Planner".  It is amazing!!  A few things that I love about this planner:

1.

It starts out with a 'Passion Plan'.  It is basically a 5 minute brainstorm that they then give steps to break down into smaller goals and these in turn translate into weekly and daily focuses.  Goal planning at its best!

 2.

It has the general monthly page but it adds places for goal planning, due dates, priorities and has small reminders to step back and make sure you are on track.  I don't have it all completed yet, I've only had it a couple of days!

 3.

It has a two page layout of the week with the times small enough to accommodate for what I need - like working the graveyard shift! - plus it ties into the goal setting and breaking down the focus into small, daily tasks.  It has separate to do lists for personal and work.  It has a blank space for jotting notes or doodling or whatever AND, one of the coolest things, it has a spot to list the good things that happen that week - I love the focus on the positive!

4.

At the end of each month, it has a built in journal reflection - how amazing is that!?!  It fits so perfectly with my need to see where I've been, where I am, and where I am going.  It serves as a way to get back on track if I have wandered a bit, which I will!

This planner has a lot more features that I am excited to explore and adapt. to my needs.  If you are looking for a way to help get yourself organized, check it out!

Check back on Saturday for my new series - Spring Cleaning in 12 Weeks!