We have a family mission statement where we established these family values to develop our “Core:” LOVE (social/emotional), FAITH (spiritual), ORDER (temporal), LEARNING (mental), HEALTH (physical), with WORK and PLAY as the tools to developing these core values. We repeat these together in our mission statement weekly. Since we established these values, the Lord has been able to work through our desires and passions to further develop each one. Here’s how we currently apply these principles in our present circumstances….I’ll tell it in our typical day:
EARLY MORNING
Mom and Dad get up early before the children arise so they can study/read the scriptures and/or classics and exercise. (We like to read at least one classic a month that is the same as each other) Dad wrote a book during these early morning hours while he could really focus without distractions or neglecting family relationships. We have become tennis players, joggers, cross country skiers, etc. during this time as well. We also shower and get ready before the children get up. Sundays we plan and make goals for the week instead of exercising.
MORNING
We read the scriptures with the children before Dad goes to work. We have made this voluntary attendance, but as soon as they can read they’re excited to read the scriptures. (we ask a “look for” question at the beginning of each verse so their minds are searching as they read) As a by-product, they are all great at reading and comprehension and really growing in wisdom- we have had priceless discussions at this time. We read for a set amount of time, not a set amount of verses. (“penetration is better than coverage”)
Then each child gets ready and does their individual and family work/chores to earn their breakfast (“by the sweat of thy brow, thou shalt eat thy bread”).
Personal work includes baths and cleaning bedrooms.
Mom’s job is to get the baby ready, train the toddler, and be the manager of the rest.
(We have cards with pictures the toddler turns over as they accomplish each task)
The kids younger than 8 have household cleaning chores.
We clean the house in zones that rotate each day of the week. (Mon= Kitchen, Tues= Living Rooms, Wed= Basement, Thur= Upstairs, Fri= Bathrooms, Sat= Cars/Garage)
The children older than 8 have areas of responsibility rather than chores (Cook Breakfast, Do Laundry, etc)
Breakfast time is a great time for mom to talk to the kids about things she’s learning and excited about. We all help in cleaning up and we love to listen to music while we work together. We have a meal clean up wheel that we turn each morning. (sweep, clean dishes, load dishwasher, table, baby, etc) Then we gather for a morning devotional. (They get a treat if they are there on time with shoes on) We have a song, prayer, scripture (that we are memorizing for the week), thought, and announce day activities. On Sundays, this turns into a family council and planning time for the week.
LATE MORNING
After the children are off to school, mom and the toddler do a lot more work and play while the baby takes a morning nap. We deep clean and dejunk in that day’s zone. This is a great work training time for the 3-5 years so that when they are school age they can do chores alone. During play, we practice putting things away before we get new things out to keep our house in order. On Saturdays, the boys work with dad on bigger jobs and the girls with mom. (This is when we do canning, repair house/car, yard or garden work, sewing, etc… self reliance, maintenance, and production stuff) This is a great time to practice “heart control” or social and emotional skills while working and playing together.
AFTERNOON
While the baby and toddler nap, this is a major “Sharpening the Saw” time for mom. She studies and reads (or naps if she is pregnant or nursing). A small amount of time is set apart for secretarial work. This is a rejuvenating time that prepares her for the second half of the day. On Saturdays, the school kids read or play in their room or outside so they don’t wake the younger children.
AFTER SCHOOL
Free Play! Rather than being pulled in a million directions from organized sports, we play with our kids and neighbors. We play a lot outside: basketball, football, trampoline, etc. Everyone pulls in before dinner to do some work (cooking with mom or honey-do list with dad) and homework. In the summer the kids do a lot of garden and yard work with dad to earn their dinner.
EVENING
Family dinner is consistent and a great time to eat healthy and practice good manners. We take turns telling about the day (We call it a “Rose and Thorn” conversation). We all clean up together- it’s great to have dad to help in training and contribute to cleaning.
Family reading is a great way to calm everyone down in preparation for bed. We love reading aloud classics to our children. (We have loved reading Narnia, Little House on the Prairie, Wizard of Oz, Pippi Longstocking, Winnie the Poo, Christmas Carol, etc) Mom and dad take turns being the reader according to the preference of book genre. If mom or dad has to be gone for callings at this time of night, the other parent runs the show alone. On Mondays, we have Family Home Evening instead of reading. The children earn their dessert by being prepared with their family night responsibility. (We have a rotating wheel of conduct, song, scripture, lesson, game, and treat). Throughout the evening, they get to stay with us if they are respectful and reverent. On Fridays, we have family movie night. (We have loved watching classic movies that teach great morals- especially musicals.)
Everyone goes to bed after family prayer at 7:30. We set a timer and they have to be ready for bed in the amount of minutes that they are old to earn a story. (The kids older than 8 get to read books in their bed for an hour instead of being told a story) Dad writes in the family journal and mom plays the piano or organ. This sets a neat tone and feeling in the home as the children go to sleep. Mom and dad usually go to bed an hour after the kids. We go on dates on Wednesday nights for a mid-week break. (We alternate going to the temple one week and the next playing a sport or going out for dessert.)
