"Kid of the Month"

Karen does a good job of running our household. We are always well loved and cared fore. We have clothes on our back. We always have good food to eat. The bills get paid on time. The towels get washed every Thursday and the sheets every Friday. Dr. Appointments are made and kept. ... I could go on ad nausium.

However there is something wrong with that picture. There are 6 members of our family. As a member of our family, it is our duty to support the rest of the member of the family, emotionally and physically. Regardless of what ever else a member of the family has going on.

This summer especially, it became obvious that the kids and I lost sight of our responsibilities. Not only were we not pulling our own wait but in fact each of us were adding extra burden to other members of the family; primarily mom. A few small examples are leaving a project or game and going off to do something else leaving it for someone else to clean. Leaving dirty socks all over. Or not emptying the dish washer on your day until dinner time so all of the dirty dishes sit in the sink or on the counter getting in the way of cooking the meal. Not doing chores without constantly having to be reminded to do them. Sometimes even then.... You get the point. While I am sure these are normal behaviors for kids, specially teenagers, When there are 4 kids and a husband all negatively contributing... well. It isn't pretty.

All of us had become too self centered. We heard, and said things like "I didn't do it." or "Those aren't my socks" or "I'll mow the lawn tomorrow". Just so we didn't have to interrupt our TV or computer or whatever.

We were in trouble and Karen was bearing the brunt of the problem. So, to encourage appropriate family participation, Karen and I established "The Kid of the Month". It is not a contest but more a recognition of the child who participated in the family in the most positive and consistent manner. We sat down with the kids and put forth the proposal. All parties agreed.

The recognition will be of the recognee's choosing, of small monetary value, less than $20.


In deciding the kid of the month Karen and I will consider the timely, unprompted completion of required duties, chores etc. but also attention personal responsibilities, Eating appropriately, Doing Homework, Brushing teeth, getting enough sleep. On top of that willingness to do extra little things, help with groceries or putting a glass in the dishwasher someone else left behind. Cleaning up a hairball rather than pretending you didn't see it. Helping another family member with homework. Or willingness to do someone else's chores if they are busy with homework etc. Finally, attitude and demeanor will also be factored in. Spending time with each other, being positive, supportive, not sniping. Willingly participating in family activities.

The program started August 15th. Today, September 15th is the last day of our first month. There has been a real synergy in the house. Even I have, I think, been more aware of my less than optimal tendencies, though you would have to ask Karen about that.

The program is going will however, again, we have a problem. All of the three kids at home have really taken notice of their behaviors. Each of them have stepped up. This past month was enjoyable, by no means perfect but no one expects that. The problem I alluded to is that Karen and I now have to choose. In our preliminary discussion we both have different kids as the front runners. It will be tough. We will announce our decision tonight or tomorrow.

The real test will be how each of the kids react to the decision. I will keep you posted.