Though it’s not the only job we can do, it definitely is one of those roles that is very fulfilling and I would hope this on any woman! I definitely encourage my daughter to pursue homemaking as well, because it is so rewarding. I don’t force her, mind you, she can make up her own mind on the matter. However, I do encourage her by demonstrating the joys of being a mom and wife and the duties that go with it.
But let’s face it, it’s not always joyful. Reality check! It can be hard and challenging no matter how fulfilling it is. Sometimes, I just need something to remind myself why I want to continue keeping my sink clean (see babystep 1)!
So I came across a a sign long ago about homemaking. I took the picture and have no clue where it came from. I jazzed it up a lot and now I have it hanging on my kitchen as a colorful reminder.
I use attempt to use behavior charts in my house. Not sure why the pictures so fuzzy but here’s the levels:
Pink level
Pink=Outstanding. One ticket and an extra 15 min before bed to do something fun. The Littles often choose this time to spend with Abba ❤️
However, if they are able to stay at this level the whole time they get two tickets. Being at this level means they are going out of their way to be helpful-like doing extra chores, being especially kind to others, and doing their own chores without any reminders. ☺️
Purple level
Purple=Great Job. One ticket and an extra 10 min before bed to do something fun. If they’ve been at blue for awhile without going into the warm colors I may move them up. Also if I keep catching them being kind and making good choices without prompts they move up levels.
Blue level
Blue=Good Day. One ticket and an extra 5 min before bed to do something fun. Usually they can get up here by being caught being kind or if they’ve been in green for awhile without any issues. At this level sometimes they choose to do a simple puzzle or watch a short video clip about nerf guns or bunnies or whatever they are interested in. 🎬🎯🐰
Green level
Green=Ready to Listen and Obey. One ticket. This is the level they start at every morning. If they simply listen and obey all day they get a ticket. My youngest ones usually stay at this level.
Yellow level
Yellow=Oops. Losing their temper maybe, or forgetting to use the coping strategies means they could end up at this level. The goal is to reflect and fix so they can go back into the cooler colors. However, if at the end of supper they are still on this color then they must go to bed 5 min early.
Orange level
Orange=Oh No! You need to Stop! At this level they are making more wrong choices and really need to go to our chill zone (aka Antartica). If they end up at this level at the end of the day they go to bed 10 min earlier than normal.
Red level
Red=Parents Choice. They are having a really rough day if they get to the level. They may have used their hands to hurt, lied, or deliberately disobeyed. At this level they go to bed 15 min early and will get a discipline that fits the crime.
Tickets. They save up the tickets and either continue to save or spend on “prizes” each Shabbat prep day. Also, the one who got the most tickets that week gets to be the start helper, which means they get to help with Shabbat prep, make challah, choose Shabbat dessert, get a zolipop, and be the car dj for the week.
So far prizes include:
10 tickets – They can trade for a fuzzy pom pom critter or a sparkly gem.
15 tickets – They can get a new pencil.
25 tickets – Exchange for $1
50 tickets – I will do one of their assigned chores.
75 tickets – They get to wear their pajamas or costume all day (even in public)
100 tickets – Special treat like an ice cream date with a parent.
I use mini colored clothespins that I colored and sealed with nail polish for each child. Works for now.
What do you do in your homes to manage behavior of your children? Share them with me in the comments below!
I love my children. They help me see the positive in things all the time.
See this? You probably can’t tell from the photo but my smoke alarm is going off…again. It’s pretty sensitive.
I usually have to take a cloth and wave it around the smoke detector so it stops because it keeps going off even after I’ve eliminated the problem. So, it’s actually more of an annoyance than a helpful tool. Still.
But even with the annoying sound, my Littles didn’t scream or get angry. It went off like 10x. Instead, they declared it was “dancing time”, grabbed their blankets and started waving it around. They were having so much fun. ♡
Sometimes you need to have a different perspective on things. I’m so thankful for my Littles ♡
How ’bout you? Do your Littles help you have a more positive attitude on things?
We use routines in my house. I personally dislike being confined by so much structure but reality check, I NEED to use routines with my Littles to stay sane.
No really. It’s true. Right now we have a morning and evening routine that works pretty well for us.
Morning Routine
These are awesome free printables from Viva VELTORO are super helpful!
Morning routine is typically before our normal school schedule but I like to sneak in a “circle time” during breakfast so we know what we are doing that day. (*However, I may switch this around due to Babystep 2…oi)
1st thing when they wake up is to Go potty. You’d think this is a no brainer but I don’t know how many times my Littles will wake up and start doing something else and then it’s like Armageddon to get to the bathroom because now everyone has to go “super super bad.” Oi.
Next is wash your hands. Yes, I have to include this step. I’m even contemplating making a chart specifically for hand washing too. Like the how to’s…maybe I can find one…
Next is to Make their B.E.D.s. This one is kind of a fun one for me because when I ask them if their beds are made then I know that more than one task is completed. We did a lot of coaching and practicing this one. I spent three days going over this habit with them and even went over the Five Senses too. What can I say, teacher skills work y’all. I bet you want to know what the acronym is huh lol.
Blanket. Is the blanket clean? Yes? Then fold clean blanket and put on pillow. No? Then throw it in the laundry room and ask mom for a clean blanket so to fold and put on pillow. This keeps things neat and I can make sure there’s no pointy/hard toys, food, or pee anywhere with a glance. Woot! And yes we practiced the smell test too.
Every night I need water. Does this happen to you too? I get them all tucked in and then they ask for water a million gazillion times. Nothing like your Littles turning into dehydrated philosophers once become hits. So this reminder gets them to fill up their own water bottles and set it by their beds! See which ones I let them use for bed here!
Do I need to trade my book or snuggly? This one makes my heart sad when they forget, but also drives me bonkers when it’s bedtime. If it’s part of their morning routine, then we’re more ready for evening routine.
All items have designated places too. Book under pillow. Snuggly on top of blanket. Water bottle on shelf. Designated areas helps them and me know if something is missing before evening comes around.
Once they’re done making their beds it’s breakfast time. Woot! All that hard work works up an appetite! But that doesn’t mean they are done with their morning routine.
After breakfast is the brushing. Brush teeth and brush hair. I made these bathroom passes that they must use when going to the bathroom.
Um…so I made a girl’s and boys’ pass but go figure we’ve misplaced the boys pass so I’ll be making a new one soon. This helps prevent fights over our 1 bathroom and I know who is where (when we use them lol) I’ve got a small house but you’d be surprised what kind of trouble they can get into….when the bathroom is in use, there’s a “waiting box”. 🙂
Next is getting dressed. This is a designated time for all and lasts about 5-10 min. My husband helped me make a lock of sorts for their closet. When this baby is open I am watching like a hawk, because Reality Check I’m tired of them taking ALL the clothes out! I have them throw their jammie’s in the wash and I put a clean set on their pillows when I inspect their beds.
See? I forgot to lock the stinking closet and they went straight away in their creativeness. Yes, those are diaper inserts that were in the liners. Hmmph. Some battles you just can’t win y’all!
Then the next step is to do their morning work. I have colored bins that have activities in it that keep them busy till I can pull them aside and work on more grade appropriate skills. This step is especially helpful for my older two.
Having a routine also helps because when my youngest is hangry, my older two can keep the flow going while I nurse. Then there’s a little bit of peace in the morning 🙂
How about you? Do you find routines helpful? Any reality checks you’d like to share?
Hah. I have flies in my house. So it’s ironic that I recently came across a organizing site called flylady. Some ladies in a blog I follow recommended it so I figured I’d attempt the Beginner’s Baby Steps 31 day challenge.
If you know me I love a challenge but I’m awful at maintaining the order and cleanliness of my home. The disorder though is driving me up the wall and it’s preventing me from doing tasks that I actually want to do.
Anywho, baby step 1 was shine my sink. I read the rules and thought easy enough…bahaha reality check! I started at 10am. First I had to wash all my piles of dishes I had neglected. With all my responsibilities of taking care of all my littles and preparing meals (etc., etc.) I still WASN’T finished by supper time. Are you kidding me?
I’ve been putting my Littles on a bedtime routine for my own sanity, and thankfully didn’t have to sacrifice too much of my sleep to finally finish “shining my sink”. It’s made out of chrome so it’s not super shiny but I promise it’s clean :). Now to maintain it…oi I hope it gets easier from here.
I just realized I hung up my shelf crooked. Bahaha 😀
I even made “signs”. My son thought my stop sign drawing was better than the ones on the street! Oh, child you’re adorable ♡
I know. I know. My brushes and rags need some cleaning and switching out but let’s focus on that sink! Well see if I can keep it that way. Time will tell…
Do you struggle with little things like this? How’s your sink looking?
Yom Kippur is typically the day most people fast. Though fasting is a great way to afflict yourselves how does one observe this feast with Littles?
Great question! I searched the world wide web for this one and couldn’t quite find the answer I was looking for. Reality check! The internet DOES NOT have all the answers.
So here’s the tradition we began for my family.
We start off the day with excitement because my older ones know what’s to come. We set the stage for a wedding. This is the day we choose to commit to serve the Creator!
All day we eat bland foods. No salt, no seasoning, no sweetener. Typical foods are rice cereal, oatmeal, rice and salmon, boiled eggs, plain crackers, dry salad (no dressing).
We read scripture about preparing ourselves for our new life with YHVH. How flavor and sweetness is added to our lives when we choose to Shema, listen and obey, His commands. We read about the ten virgins and being ready too.
Then after supper, a couple hours before sundown, it begins! We separate boys go with the Papa, and I take my little girl. We discuss washing and removing all the yuck in our lives so we can be poke of mind and body before the wedding. Then we mikvah. Then we get dressed in our white wedding attire. My daughter especially loves this as we do our hair and look extra special. It takes a bit of time but we all look our best!
Then we walk down the aisle and my husband reads the Ketuba, which are the commandments. The Littles listen carefully. If they choose to be a child of Yah, they accept by stating I will shema and drink the cup of “wine”, sealing the covenant and then we give them their crowns ♡.
The ceremony has concluded and the sun has set and it’s party time! We dance and sing then eat decadent chocolate wedding cake! Mazel Tov!
Have you heard of Luli Tv? I need to explore this site more and see if I van incorporate it in my teaching!
There is SO much to do and so LITTLE time! Reality check right? Yikes. So enjoy this fun little gem of the Hungry Little Caterpillar in Hebrew in the meantime 🙂
This year, Yom Teruah, is an extra special time because we were able to actually get shofars for all our Little ones ♡.
I knew we would have so much fun blowing in them ALL day, I figured we’d better gift the neighbors with a heads up. Lol.
So we made some apple cider carmels with a little tag on it that said the verse from Leviticus about blasting our horns.
We had so much fun! We worked on cutting, handwriting, and lacing. 🙂
Yom Teruah Tags
Even the hubs helped too! (Although he wasn’t very thrilled about me springing it on him at the last moment tee hee 😉 but in my defense I only asked him to cut the carmels into straight lines).
Littlest one wanted to join in too but crashed on the couch. And yes you can see my house in the background. Is it pristine? Uh, my Hanukkah lights are STILL up… Reality Check! Nope. But it IS a goal I’m working on…still working on…OK, It’s been like 7 years, and I still am working on it. But hey, I am making progress (slowly 🙂 ).
Anyways, so we did that. Yom Teruah means it’s also the 1st of the month as well so we typically eat pizza. It’s round and I have a black pizza stone so we eat and talk about how we enjoy the month Yah had given us and new beginnings. I should write up a lesson plan for that. It’s super fun :).
But I made the dough, the sauce, got some microbial cheese and turkey pepperoni from Aldi and wrapped them Papa Murphy style lol so we could just warm them up and eat on shabbat.
In the words of my Littles: so so yummy!
Plus, I made apple pancakes, but I deviated from the recipe and added more apples which FYI changes the texture. Reality check. Can’t please everyone. I was forced to write this rule to add to my collection 😛 :
Yeah well more for me right? 🙂
Plus I made Creation Cake.
My house is STILL recovering from my mess. But it was yummy!
Stay tuned as I get around to linking up recipes!
What special things do you do for Yom Teruah? Share your traditions in the comments below.
Many of us may have been baptized or dedicated as babes/children, but now that we are new to Torah what do we do with our own little ones?
Dedicating our children to YHVH is till present in scripture. In fact, we are commanded to train them up in the way they should go AND impress on them the laws/mitvot wherever they are!
Before we first came to following the whole Bible we had already had our first child. So by the time our second was born, we inquired to our congregation at the time about dedicating both of our children and changing the name of our firstborn to something less secular.
They shared a lovely message. I wish I had it recorded. The congregation also honored our little ones by planting trees in Israel in their names! You can honor your loved ones here too. It does require a donation of at least $18.
I also made Baby Dedication Certificates as seen in the beginning of this post. Fill out your very own below! *Note: Hebrew, not Gregorian, calendar is used for dates ❤
Are you planning on giving your child a new name now that you are following Torah? What ways do you dedicate your children to YHVH?
I just learned from a facebook blog I’m part of that you can get free resources about Israel! You just need to write the Consular Department of Israel in Houston! Awesomeness! But if you’re anything like me, when do you even have time to write up a letter? Reality check! I get it.
No worries. Just fill out your info in the form below and guess what? I’ll email you the letter. Just print and go! Be sure to let me know when the package arrives. I would love to share in your excitement!!
So excited for the fall feasts! I totally plan on going all in schoolwise, but it means lots of structure and organization. Easy peasy right? Pshh…reality check! We’re going to need to ease into it. The fall feasts are the perfect starting point. Yom Teruah may have been the first feast in celebration with the Creator and His creation! So the week leading up to Yom Teruah (tomorrow! Yikes!) (Today) is the perfect time to study the first couple chapters of Genesis ♡.
I’m also starting a new curriculum which I’ll be sharing here soon as well. Bear with me. My timeline isn’t quite perfected yet.
I’m a big fan of 613 Torah Avenue. They sing songs related to the Trash Torah portion. Everything I’ve heard I’ve really liked. Check them out here.
So as an intro to school/learning and Creation, we started by singing the chumash bereshit. I wrote the lyrics in their writing journals (because my printer’s on the fritz lol)
Chumash Bereshit 613 Torah Ave Lyrics
Each child highlighted words they already knew in yellow. Unfamiliar words were underlined in green for further practice. We put a box around new vocabulary words. And circled pairs of rhyming words.
It’s important to model this and practice this format because this is also how we will learn to read the Torah. I’m creating worksheets and will post examples soon. I also plan on making note cards of Keep Practicing words to work on to put up on our Word wall.
We have a section in the back of our writing journals for new Hebrew vocabulary words where we write the words, discuss and write down definitions. I let my Littles explain to me what to write after our discussions until their handwriting improves.
Tomorrow we will do the same thing but with the song for Bereshit. Then the next day (hopefully I’ll have posted/printed out their worksheets). The songs are a bit annoying, but they are catchy enough that you can pick up the rhythm and then sing it yourself. *I will be replacing “Hashem” with God’s actual name.
Once we get into the Torah story I will also have my Littles retell the story through picture and writing. Right now they are just excited enough that they actually recognized some words! Woot! I think they will adjust getting back into the learning cycle faster than me!
How about you? What are your plans for Yom Teruah? Do you plan on reading into school schedules? Let me know!
Ya’ll renting can be tough when you want to teach your little ones at home. However I have found the amazing uses of painters tape!
Seriously. It stays on no matter what until you peel it off. And no residue! This has stayed on my kitchen floor for 2 months now and is staying. And with 4 little ones, cooking or own meals, and canning it had survived. As a bonus, this sensory path is such a fun break that my little ones offer to help clean the kitchen so they can use it! Woot!
Temporary (but long lasting) Sensory Path
It’s seriously awesome. One day, I’d love to have more colors and shapes (and a bigger kitchen <wink wink>), but this solution works and is budget friendly!
I even used it to get creative in our bathroom. Saves me some sanity keeping the tp out of curious hands.
TP Fun
Just painters tape and thumb tacks. The duckies just pop right on. So bonus for bath toy storage too!
Just making it work one day at a time. Do you have any creative ideas for painters tape uses or other homeschooling renter friendly ideas? Let me know in the comments below!
Reality Check Mama 