What I Would Have Kept the Same

In my last post I talked about what I would have done differently when raising my kids. Now I will talk about what I would repeat if doing it again.

1. Reading.  I started reading to my kids when they were babies and continued until they were in junior high. It helped them succeed in school as well as fostered a love of reading.  We also have great memories of the times spent together. For example the time we read Harry Potter while camping in the pouring rain or the book I refused to read again after reading it 4 times. (The Wizard of Oz)

2. Outside activities.  No one in my family has any athletic talent but we have always enjoyed doing things outside. When the kids were young we spent a lot of time at the park and playground. We also played a lot of ball.  (I got my exercise chasing them all!)  As they got older we progressed to swimming and bike riding.  Now we will hike, camp, play disc golf or do yoga together.  Next up parasailing!

3. Limited junk food.  I have always kept little junk food in the house.  No one ever seemed to miss the chips and soda.  Then when we would have them in the house they would go uneaten in the pantry because my kids were so used to them not being around.  I also would give small servings of things not as good for you.  My kids got used to it and never asked for more and now, when serving themselves they do the same.

4. Consequences.  I encouraged my kids to become responsible by letting them feel the consequences of their actions.  If they returned library books late then they paid they fine.  If they lost their lunch box then they had to look for it in the lost and found.  If not found then they had to brown bag it or use an old lunch box.

5. Time.  I have always made time to do things with my kids.  Whenever they asked me to play with them I would.  There was no reason the dishes and chores couldn't wait.