Update on Elliot's Room

It's amazing what a little encouragement from a big brother does (not to mention Jonas' great organizational skills):

One Square At a Time

Elliot's room...sigh...has always been a challenge for me. It's not like I'm super duper strict on put-awayness. If you happen to stop by my house unexpectedly (which I love by the way), you will most likely find clothes-clean and folded- on the piano waiting for their owners to put them away. You will also find a pile of mail on the kitchen table, and probably whatever project I'm working on taking up communal space, but I do have some standards. I know he's only 6, so I try and keep in mind what his organizational abilities are. BUT, I do like to see the floor, not just spaces he has cleared out for footfalls. I prefer to have at least a somewhat clean path from the bed to the door for those in the middle of the night emergencies.

I have tried to help him create some method in the madness of toys. There are boxes (3!) for Legos, a box for Hot Wheels, drawer for Tinker Toys, drawer for Pokemon/Bakugan, and a whole toy box! I have sat in his room during cleaning days and asked where each specific toy goes. (He knows where they all belong, that's not the problem.) I've threatened to clean it all up and give toys to someone who needs them. I've even promised a fish if he can keep his room clean. Nothing has worked.

While lying in bed one night after another frustrating tuck in time, it dawned on me that he's overwhelmed with it all. I can tell him to pick up the K'Nex and as soon as he thinks they're all picked up, he'll find more and get discouraged. What if we took a different approach? What if we broke it down by sections?

The next day, I took painter's tape (one of his favorite inventions) and made a small square on the floor. I sent him to quiet time with the goal of cleaning up just that little square. I told him I would take a picture of the square before he got started to make sure items weren't relocated to just beyond his area. Here's what happened:

 

Even the dog thought this was a good thing:

Then the next day, another square

or two:

And more progress...

 

 

He still has more to do, but some improvement is better than none. Do I expect it to stay clean forever? NO, I know who I'm working with, but maybe, just maybe we can clean one square at a time.

Paper Jewels

This winter break, as the sun was shining through the kitchen windows, I took the time to sort the boys' paper organizers. These three wire mesh pocket organizers hold papers that aren't ready to be filed yet, but also aren't ready to be recycled. One pocket per boy. (And just for the record, I thought of this on my own. It wasn't until a year later that I saw it in Real Simple magazine.)

I found a couple gems I'd like to share with you. Both come courtesy of Isaac's pile of papers/homework.

"I was suprised on how good I was on a schooter. All I need right now on a scooter is balance. The scooter I rode on belonged to my brother Jonas. I'm also suprised that I look up to Jonas. Another thing I'm suprised about is that my big brother is named after famous people named The Jonas brother's. I'm also suprised to know 4 Isaacs. I'm also suprise my little brother is named after a lake named 'Elliot lake'. I'm also suprised the teacher called Matt the walking encyclopedia. I'm also suprised that Ms. Youngker has so many books. I'm also suprised that when I dig deep in my brain stuff becomes a mystery."

"Isaac and Elliot best friends. E rocks!"

All My Heart

Last Sunday at church (the first Sunday service after Christmas), the congregation was challenged to think of a gift we could give Jesus. People stood up declaring their desires to give back time, words, fears of driving in the snow and ice...

The sharing time was just about coming to a close when my Isaac stood up tall and serene. In a very clear voice he stated, "I give God access to my heart." My tears started to flow.

I have really been struggling with parenting lately. I don't feel like I give the boys enough of my time, or attention. When Isaac stood up, I realized that I (we) do the best we can and God multiplies it to use His way. Isaac has a special relationship with God that I admire. I hope to someday be like him.