To Remember for a Successful Week

-PLAY with the kids, join their game.
-Try to resist valuing tidiness over them.
-Read what I want while they are reading. (I found "When I was at my mother's breast, you made me trust you." from Psalm 22)
-It's okay to screen phonecalls.
-When coping with stir-craziness, go outside, whatever the weather.
-Call a sane and optimistic friend.
-Get down on the floor and let them lead play.
-Draw with them. BE WITH them.
-It's okay to tell them I have to go make dinner and don't need helpers right now.
-Look at a clock and really allow them time to get something done or to let off steam.
-The boys are old enough to arbitrate their own conflicts and it is a complex task, assigning fault.
-Keep a running list: things to find, ways to make things go more smoothly for next time, things I don't want to forget that they said.
-Display their artwork immediately.
-Ask them to pick up their clothes every day. Praise their teamwork.