Don’t forgot to teach your kids about character, the value of compromise and getting along with others as you instruct them in the rigors of academia! Here’s a great example from our own homeschool!
It was one of those icky, yucky, rainy, dreary, pent up too long kind of days. My kids were mumbling, complaining, and picking on each other and exhibiting other behavior that is not one of the ‘fruits of the spirit’. Every few minutes I was having to referee some minor squabble over ‘nothing’.
So, I did what any reasonable mother would do…I gave them something that they would HAVE to work together and problem solve. I gave them a PROJECT.
Months ago I bought a Concoctions/Art Kit and put it away for a rainy day. When I came to the end of my rope, I remembered this little gem and brought it out. The beauty of using this as a ‘team builder’ was in the likes and strengths of each child. My oldest doesn’t like crafts, but, my middle children do. Since couldn’t find anything to agree on, they would have to put their differences aside and work together for the good of ‘The Team’ without help from me.
I gave them these rules: You can do ANY of the projects in the book, but, you must work together and you must come to a consensus. You must not raise your voice and you must be kind towards one another.
After diving into the box, opening the goodies and paging though the instructions, I was pleased to hear all three communicating and working through the projects. One making compromise here and another one making compromise there. This was working!
They ended up making 3 projects. But more importantly, they saw first hand how speaking to one another in kind words, compromising on small issues and maintaining unity, changed their whole day from a ‘real drag’ into a rewarding experience with those they chose to love.
“So in everything do to others as you would have them do to you.”
– Matthew 7:12
Here are some great character building materials from Rainbow Resource.
