Our Twenty-Four Family Ways

Our Twenty-Four Family Ways

We had a training session which lasted one to two weeks for each way. We would memorize the way, read Bible and other stories that exemplified the way, act out appropriate and inappropriate responses,and sing relevant songs. At times we would use M&M's or other candy to give incentive to speak kindly etc. Each child would start with 25 pieces, but each time they spoke unkindly one M&M would be taken out of their dish. They could eat any remaining candy after supper. The children helped us come up with an appropriate consequence when a way was violated.

We love and obey our Lord, Jesus Christ, with wholehearted devotion.

We read the Bible and pray to God every day with an open heart.

(No computer time until you’ve prayed and read your Bible)

We honor and obey our parents in the Lord with a respectful attitude.

(Direct, defiant disobedience-spanking – all other, (immediate &cheerful) loss of computer privilege for a day)

We listen to correction and accept discipline with a submissive spirit.

(Next meals dishes)

We love one another, treating others with kindness, gentleness and respect.

(1 tsp. apple cider vinegar for each offense, apologize & hug. To bed for 15 minutes)

We serve one another, humbly thinking of the needs of others first.

(Do one extra service)

We encourage one another, using only words that build up and bless others.

(1 tsp. vinegar)

We forgive one another, covering an offense with love when wronged or hurt.

We are thankful to God for what we have, whether it is a little or a lot.

(Name 3 things he is thankful for. Suzy got biggest, best – loss of item)

We are content with what we have, not coveting what others have.

(Must ask politely and wait until other child has finished playing with toy.  If not, cannot play at all. Separate room for 10 min.)

We are generous with what we have, sharing freely with others.

(Place toy on fridge or in garage for 24 hours.)

We take care of what we have, using it wisely and responsibly.

(Pay for (replace) broken item.  If child doesn’t have the money, he must do extra chores to earn it.)

We are diligent to complete a task promptly and thoroughly when asked.

(Redo task 5 times or one extra task – Mom’s discretion) Ex. Didn’t set table when asked- set it, put it away, reset 5 times.)

We take initiative to do all of our own work without needing to be told.

(Receive $2/per week for completion of chores, school work w/out having to be told. Unable to go with Dad, or a friend, or any special event on weekend until list is completed.)

We work with a cooperative spirit, freely giving and receiving help.

(Loss of computer privilege or play game of sibling’s choice for 15 minutes.)

We take personal responsibility to keep our home neat and clean at all times.

($.10 fine for all items not picked up.  CD’s left out – no CD or DVD for 24 hrs. Special unannounced rewards from dad for the hardest  worker of the day.)

We choose to be joyful, even when we feel like complaining.

(Go back to bed for 15 minutes, Special unannounced rewards from Dad for the most cheerful child of the day.)

We choose to be peacemakers, even when we feel like arguing.

(Arguing parties must do meal clean up together for the next meal or go to bed 15 min.)

We choose to be patient, even when we feel like getting our own way.

(Read a story of other child’s choice or play game of their choice.)

We choose to be gracious, even when we don’t feel like it.

We do what we know is right, regardless what others do or say.

(Write sentences or essay re:  wrong choice, consequences of that choice and what they should have done.)

We ask before we act when we do not know what is right to do.

We exercise self-control at all times and in every kind of situation.

(No dessert – if food related;  Angry words – vinegar; Hitting, physical harm- spanking)

We always tell the truth and do not practice deceitfulness of any kind.

(If child will admit his lie, he will be admonished but not punished.)