dear elizabeth,
I Save the cinnomon crunch Just For You.
Love, Haley
Is that not the sweetest thing ever?
I'm finding that my son is getting more and more frustrated by the realization that he is the only boy in the family. His sisters play together A LOT and it is usually with Barbies, or babies, both non-boy toys. Ellie even informed me that she didn't want her sister to go back to school this week. I asked about Ethan and she said, no, just Haley. This piggy backed on top of Haley telling me the other night that she doesn't love her brother. Sigh. That makes me sad. I can completely understand him feeling left out. It makes a mom wonder if she should've had an even number of children. Sadly, he is reduced to playing video games and throwing the football around in the yard by himself. Yeah, another kid would've been nice...too late for that though.
So, what is a mom to do? Anyone know when the "protective older brother" phase will start to kick in? We are doing our best to try and fill his brotherly void with parent time and play dates, but I know it just isn't the same. On the bright side, my 7-yr old really likes to go out of her way to be kind to others and she is SO into nice notes.
Speaking of notes, I just realized that I never shared a family project with you guys. Awhile back, I picked up a few of those small metal mailboxes at JoAnne's. Each of the kids helped me choose papers to decorate theirs with. Here's how they came out:
We have a chore list here that the kids can pick and choose from. They mark when a chore is done on the list and then at the end of the week, they get paid for what they did. To pay them, I put the money in an envelope and place it into their mailbox. The flag goes up and they know they have mail. I've also put envelopes next to the mailboxes so the kids can leave notes for each other if they'd like. Sometime we will write encouraging notes to them as well. It's a great way to communicate with each other and the kids think it is incredibly fun. Now I need one for mom and dad, right? :)
cute mailboxes. I have to make one for each my kids.
ReplyDeleteLove the mailboxes! I have four...and honestly my three youngest are closest. I think it is because of the number of years between them. My oldest is 3.5 years older than my second, but my three younger are 2.5 and 2 years apart. I think the age difference plays a big part into them getting along/playing with one another. I often wish that my older two were closer in age. Can't change that though!
ReplyDeleteI have a couple of mailboxes that I've never managed to use, but you've definitely inspired me to put them to use! I love the idea of leaving the kids' chore money and little notes for them to find in their box. I hope your little guy finds his niche soon!
ReplyDeletewow these are so adorable...great fun idea.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely mom and dad need such a nice mail box too!!!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great idea to dole out chores! (and p.s., love those bright colors on your wall - wow!)
ReplyDeleteAWWWW! I love that your little gals love each other so much--I'm sad they are leaving their brother out...no worries though! They will love him TONS soon! And I LOVE those little mailboxes--perfect for encouraging letters and chores! FUN!
ReplyDeleteThe mailboxes are a great idea and I love that your kids are writing notes to each other. If I had kids I would totally steal your idea, lol. I feel bad for your son :( Kids are so funny!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great idea, Jaclyn. I love it.
ReplyDeleteI would pray. Prayer always helps with me...I have three girls and someone is left out. That someone comes to me or dad to be buddies with. I agree-three makes it hard. But, I figure God planned it this way, so I pray for better days and they come. It makes my heart all mush when they all three play together and get along. ;)
What a FAB idea! I'll bet they want to do LOTS of chores with this system! As far as another child, no guarantees it would have been a boy! But I'll bet when they get old enough to date, they will be happy they have a cute brother with cute friends!
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