“Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not turn from it.”  Proverbs 22:6.  This verse is a reminder of the commission the Lord gives parents to train children.  As a mother of four children, three of whom are boys, I have found etiquette to be a challenging component of the parenting process.  My wonderful young men are often not interested in “table manners”.  This verse encourages  me because it highlights the result of consistent teaching… “when he is old he will not turn from it”.  Hopefully, by the time my children enter the dating years, my efforts will produce fruit.

Recently, I incorporated a lesson in table etiquette into a reading lesson for my second graders.  I utilized a simple place setting and demonstrated the proper way to set a table.  It was interesting to see the diversity within my class.  Several students were very familiar with the process and commented that setting the table was a part of their household responsibility.  Others were familiar with the process, but did not know how to set the table themselves.  Interestingly, I had a few students who had never eaten dinner in their home with the table set in preparation for the meal.

In the age of quick meals and busy family schedules, I am the first one to admit that etiquette often goes by the wayside.  In our family, it would be very challenging to have china and fine linens at every meal.  Etiquette has to change with the times.  Even if you are serving your favorite take-out meal, take the time to add a little pizzazz to the evening.  The principles of etiquette can easily be taught with festive dinnerware and acrylic glasses at the dinner table or as an outdoor dining experience.  The simplicity of a set table also sends a message to your family members that they are valued and indicates that you are preparing to listen to their news during the meal.  Family fellowship over the dinner table is one part of my heritage that I cherish.  It is my desire that my children will look back over their childhood with fond memories of our family dinners.

Etiquette may be a part of your child’s career in the future.  Take the time to train in the formative years so that you will not put a “stumbling block” in the future.

“Everybody get up! We’ve overslept!!” Our family looked like the family on the movie Home Alone where everyone overslept before a family trip. In our case, we had alarm clock issues before going to school. We made it to school in record time (without being late), largely because of some techniques that our family has developed in handling “morning madness”.

We pack lunchboxes almost every day. For our family, this solution is not only economical, but is also a healthier meal option. As a working mom (and one who is not considered a “morning” person), I have developed strategies to make lunchbox assembly a snap in the morning.

• Purchase a variety of snack options. Fill a large, decorative tin or basket with snacks. Store this container in your pantry or on a kitchen counter for easy access.
• Utilize a large, plastic container in the refrigerator to store luncheon meat, cheese, cheese sticks, fruit cups, etc.
• Assemble all sandwiches and other items requiring preparation the evening prior to school. Store lunch items in ziplock bags then refrigerate.
• Lunchboxes should be lined up on the kitchen counter assembly-line style in the evening. Pack all non-perishable items in each lunchbox. Occasionally, include a special note or personalized napkin for a festive touch.
• Train your children to pack their own lunchbox each morning with the perishable items, ice pack and drinks. This one step is an important training tool. It will help your children to become responsible and will promote family unity as you work together.

“Morning madness” happens to all of us occasionally. Try these lunchbox ideas to assist you in managing your family and to make your mornings less stressful.

“What’s up?” often appears on my cell phone screen. Two words that have become cherished as a communication link in our family. My oldest sons have been deemed “old enough” to have a cell phone. They actually taught me to text several months ago and I love it. I find that this link allows me to keep up with their day….the outcome of a hard test, the news at school (during break of course), etc. Texting is also helpful in organizing our family plans after school as we coordinate extracurricular activities.

The most surprising result of entering the “texting world” has been the communication within our extended family. I might pause at this time to tell you that my children have 4 grandparents, 11 aunts and uncles plus 13 cousins. I have found that my children are texting their aunts and cousins on a regular basis. This communication tool has become a “glue” that bonds the generations within our family. I am thrilled to have updates regarding my niece’s and nephew’s upcoming activities and the opportunity to maintain a connection with them. It has also been interesting as well as, thrilling to see my children communicate with my siblings.

Texting reminds me of teaching a teenager to drive. Parents have to be actively involved in training their child to text responsibly. In this era, technology is at the fingertips of all children. Parents have the responsibility to become educated about the potential pitfalls of texting. In researching texting, late night texting seems to be the pitfall when teenagers encounter inappropriate texting. In an attempt, to protect my children, I require all cell phones to be docked in my bedroom at night. I am also an accountability partner for my children. I periodically check all texts to make sure that the texts are appropriate. This also allows me to monitor the friendships that my children are encouraging. As my children prove themselves to make responsible texting decisions, I will give them more responsibility…..just like a parent entrusting a vehicle to a teenager.

Clearly, texting is the wave of the future. In our family, texting is a generational glue that opens the door for our family to stay connected. “What’s up?”……makes me smile every time.

Every new year begins a flurry of activity in my kitchen….not delightful new recipes cooking on the stove, but project boards, photographs and experiment materials. As an educator, I should be thrilled to have the projects covering our home, but I haven’t quite been able to get there…..Should science projects be illegal? I am a proponent of the educational process, but I don’t like projects being sent home that require intense parental guidance. If a student is assigned a project, then the student should be able to fulfill the requirements with a reasonable amount of additional assistance.

Regardless, I don’t think my view will be the new trend in education. I’d like to dig in my educational toolbox and share sources that may be helpful as you help your own children complete their projects. I have also made a resolution that we will tackle the 2011 projects this summer so that we can enjoy the scientific process without the distraction of other homework assignments and extracurricular activities that keep us busy during the winter months.

Home Supplies

Cardstock supply – white and various colors

Sharpie Markers, assorted colored pencils, tape, glue sticks

Craft scissors – Keep a variety pack of specialty scissors to give projects a professional appearance

Photography supplies if you print photographs from home

Die-cut letters – Pre-packaged letters can be purchased from craft and school supply stores.

Copying Machine – If your budget will permit, this is a wonderful tool for all school projects.

Science Fair Project Ideas

http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_ideas.shtml

http://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/categoryO.htmle

http://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/

http://www.super-science-fair-projects.com/elementary-science-fair-projects.html

The Automatic Bibliography & Citation Maker

http://easybib.com/

Create a Graph

http://nces.ed.gov/nceskids/createAgraph/default.aspx?ID=cbd4fe19f042467ab9b69a6983b41fde

Science Fair Project Board Examples

http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_display_board.shtml

http://school.discoveryeducation.com/sciencefaircentral/Science-Fair-Presentations/How-to-Create-a-Winning-Science-Fair-Display-Board.html

What are your thoughts? E-mail me at Familiesforhim@gmail.com