My level of sanity is directly proportional to the effectiveness of certain routines in our home. One such routine is Ladybird’s “High Fives.” It is her visual reminder of 5 things she needs to do at a given part of the day. I saw this at Life as Mom a while back and adapted it to fit our family.
—Disclaimer: These pictures are horrible. They were posted in the hallway next to Ladybird’s bedroom. I was carrying a sleepy Guppy and didn’t bother to take them down. Sorry.—
Lady’s “Morning High Five” is done very soon after awakening. (brush teeth, brush hair, water for the dog, take vitamin, eat breakfast & clear your plate)
The “Afternoon High Five” leads into lunch. (clear table from school, get dressed & put laundry in basket, pick up toys in bedroom, tummy time with Guppy, eat lunch & clear your plate)
Her “Evening High Five” is done before dinner. (water for the dog, pick up toys in living room, pick up toys in bedroom, set the table, prepare clothes for tomorrow)
It was such a bit hit that we came up with a “Weekly High Five” for the chores that she can help out with on the weekend. (clean your room, sort dirty laundry, dust, clean windows & mirrors, put away your clean laundry)
By the way, that is actually an outline of Ladybird’s hand. It always gets her more excited to be a part in making new routines. Better sticking power!
Originally, her completion of these items would earn her non-educational screen time (TV, computer, or Wii.) She adapted this herself when she couldn’t care less about earning that time, all she wanted was an actually high five from any and all parental figures home at the time of the “High Five” completion. Okay, fine by me. This leaves me room to have her earn the screen time some other way. Not sure how yet… I’ll think of something! ; )
We have been doing this successfully for a few weeks now. I’m sure the novelty will eventually wear off and I will brainstorm another approach. For now, this works like a charm!
