school year scripture themes

I posted this on my Instagram the other day, and had several people ask me for more detailed info on what exactly I and my family do with these scripture themes.  It's one of my favorite traditions, but it only started a couple years ago. 

A few weeks before school starts, I prayerfully choose a scripture that will become our theme for the school year.  I print up three copies: one to display in our kitchen, and one to tape up in each of the kids showers (where they can re-read it every time they're in there).  We have a special Family Home Evening about the scripture and talk about what it means and how we can use it in our lives at school, home, with friends, etc.  For example, the first year we did Matthew 5:16.  Throughout the year, we talked about how we can be a light to others by being a good example in various different ways.

Also throughout the school year, we will work on memorizing the scripture.  When my kids leave for school every morning, I remind them how they can be a light to others or how they can work on strengthening their foundation, or whatever the theme is about.  My goal is to teach my kids (as well as my husband and I) how to use these inspirational messages to better ourselves each and every day, and how to apply these words to our lives.

the quarter order.

My husband and I have been in the parenting game for over 10 years.  We have tried several different chore charts and disciplinary tactics for our 4 kids.  Some worked fine (for a while), and others failed immediately.   Recently, we came across a method that covers both ~ getting our children to do their part around the house and drastically improving their behavior.  Now, I know that this method won't work for everyone, but it is working wonders for us.  Here's how it works:

At the beginning of every month, each child gets an allowance.  You can customize this to your own family needs, but we give our kids $5 each.  The allowance needs to be given in quarters.  No matter how the month before went, bad or good, each child gets their allowance on the first day of the month.  

If a child misbehaves, take away a quarter.

If your kids fight, take away a quarter.

If they don't make their bed, take away a quarter.

If a child unloads the dishwasher without being asked, give them a quarter.

If your kids go an entire day without fighting, give them a quarter.

If they happily go the extra mile, give them a quarter.

Again, you can and should customize this to your own family.  We don't give quarters for doing their regular chores.  That's just something they need to do.  If they don't do their chores, bye-bye quarter.  On the last day of the month, we help them split their quarters into savings and spending. 

Here's what we as parents have learned from this system:

The first month or two, our kids almost ran out of quarters completely.  We have to consciously be aware of giving them quarters, because we don't want this to have a negative implication.  But now, they come out pretty even, and often with a couple more quarters than with what they started.  They are trying to find ways to earn quarters, and this Mama is LOVING it!  There is less whining, less bickering, and less fighting.  There is more helping, more sharing, and more loving.  It is working great for us, and I hope it can work great for you!