Missions

It's not what you think.  I'm not talking (this time) about traveling to foreign countries and ministering to people.  I'm talking about a clever little technique that we have used to keep our kids occupied, inside and out, and to accomplish tasks.  Sometimes, it's just all about making it (seem) fun.

"I want you to hop on one foot over to the soccer ball, then pick it up and gallop over to the bin and put it in, and then crawl back to me.  Ready, set, go!"

We call them missions, and our kids literally beg for them.  Really.  And the great thing is, they can be used anytime, anywhere, and can easily morph into whatever you need it to be at the moment.  We have used these inside, outside, at doctor's offices, at restaurants, at rest areas...the list goes on.  This is definitely one tool I'm keeping in my parenting tool box.  I think one key to this (especially if you are trying to accomplish something via missions- like cleaning up the yard-) is that you don't make your goal (putting the soccer ball away), their goal (completing this series of challenges)- so be sure to add something after your goal into the challenge. Also, we don't do it all the time, so that keeps it fun and special.  Just something that works for us!