One of the biggest things I have learned this far in parenting and that I consider to be one of the most important aspects, at least for me, is the need for a consistent, God-ordained schedule. Consistent because it doesn't work unless we do it consistently and God-ordained because we need Jesus to help us make it and to realize what things are really important and needed and not just what we want. As I write this we are just recovering from a three day illness that we all had in which the schedule went out the window. This has again convinced me of the importance of my schedule! The bad attitudes, the discipline problems, the things in my own heart that have all gotten out of control is not good and I am so looking forward to Monday morning when all will be back to normal. I would say that most mothers and experts agree that some kind of schedule is so good for children. They need it and they thrive with it. 

While listening to Maranatha Chapman's CDs on being a mother, she talked about teaching her children to not do what they want all day, but to do what she has for them. She plans out their day and makes lists for them with school, responsibilities, play time, and other fun things. Their hearts start thinking, "What does Mommy have for me." And they are taught to ask that before they go off and do their own thing. I love this!  Not because of all the work it really takes to get them doing it, but because it is training them for when this all transfers over to their walk with God. We should be asking every day, "Lord, what do you have for me?" Not just doing what we want all day or even part of the day. I'm still trying to learn this one myself, so I am excited to teach it to my children. I don't have it down perfect yet​​, but I made these responsibility books to help me and the boys to get excited about it.

How They Work

I first of all made a master schedule (using the Managers of Their Homes was so helpful!) for everyone in the family (minus Daddy). Lucas and Alex are the only ones old enough for one yet so they each have their own. Most days their books are the same​​​​ (all the days that Daddy is gone and they have school) so I only change about 5 or 6 of the cards. A lot of them change on Daddy's day off. The boys love it. They always know what to do next and so do I!  For me, I need them or I will get sidetracked and want to do something more fun, like decorating or organizing something instead of teaching them to do a new job or playing a game with them. I ended up laminating mine so they will last longer.

If this is something that you think will help you, please feel free to download my word template and use it to make your own.​​ Obviously your cards will be different from mine. I just type in the name of what I want them to do and then find a picture from Google Images that I copy and paste. Let me know if you have any questions!