Monday nights are usually when I do devotional time time with the older kids. And what is devotional time you might ask? Well usually it always includes reading something from the bible and usually a book that I find interesting that I think the kids will enjoy and be inspired by. Then we will often times talk about how things are going, what we learned from the book, and discuss issues any of us are currently going through. Most times we pray-- but not always. God knows that this time is centered around Him.
As I finished up reading not one but two chapters ( it is really good) of a book about missionaries in Brazil, I went straight into seeing if the kids had their memory verse down. Beyond that, I struggled to get the kids to open up and talk. It was a tough crowd. As I moved from topic to topic it was obvious that they just were not in the mood for talking.... so I got creative.
All I wanted was for them to all interact with each other-- if only briefly before they went went to bed for the night. If a silly memory was made in the process that would be the icing on the cake.
"Why don't two of you lay down on the floor in opposite directions and put your feet together up in the air to make a tunnel (bottoms facing each other)? The rest of you go through the tunnel and then change places. Ha-ha-- Won't this be fun?"
Rachel and Julia were all giggles over this silliness and Caleb quickly joined me and crawled under their legs through the tunnel they had formed. Adam was not thrilled with the game but I eventually coaxed him to participate. Sveta was last.
We all had a good laugh as I announced that because Adam, whom I knew would be the most anti-Mom game participated, we would have Chili's take out for dinner tomorrow night.
And that was that. Our devotional time was over.
So what was the point of this little exercise?
Oh.... maybe to remind my teenagers that they are never too old to play a silly made-up game. Or.... maybe to encourage positive behavior and teamwork even in the midst of a "roll your eye", pointless activity.
I'm not sure-- but it was fun and it ended our evening on a light note!
So what do you do with your teenagers on Monday nights?
10 inspiring thoughts:
Every week night was the same in our house when my daughter was growing up - suppertime as a family, homework and bed. She went to a highly academic school and had a lot of homework and independent study projects.
Monday night--dealt with what you posted about earlier--lying. I had just told one child that I was going to start giving his privileges back since he was doing better--snuck off on his bike so it's been locked up since etc. Then my tracphone disappears from under the phone within minutes of discussing possible privileges. He denied taking it but I had heard it turn on--Jessica had it on super loud on our last trip so we wouldn't miss Rick calling. After he denied taking the phone six times and proceeded to show me empty pockets (doesn't mean a thing to me because I knew it wouldn't be in his pockets)I simply called the phone from the wall phone right next to me. Of course it rings on the highest volume about six inches from him right where he hid it and he just gave me a smirk. NOt one bit of repentance. Sad.
you're a genius.
the #1 most important thing is connection. you made that happen.
love it. :)
Christine,
You get tons of traffic to your blog. Would you be so kind to write something concerning the extension of HR213 - the Adoption Tax Credit Bill? It expires at the end of this year. A bloggy friend has created a good blog with lots of info on the who, what when and why of the project.
http://adoptiontaxcredit.blogspot.com/
Thank you!
Winnie
I like it! You know they may roll their eyes now, but when they're older they'll think back fondly on all of those times together as a family and the time you spent with them.
Don't have teens yet, but sounds like fun to me. At camp we do all kinds of fun games & activities- low ropes & high ropes- they are all activities to get them to communicate, trust, and work together- like the Body of Christ. It isn't always perfect and there are times of what you call "storming" but the end result is fun, and a definite team!
How fun! I don't have any teenagers and mine are little and in bed early, so we don't do much Monday nights besides read before bed.
I love being with my kids. Homeschooling gives me the chance to be a part of many aspects of their lives. I am all about fun. However, There has been a lot of bickering going on lately. I have gotten way to serious about school, and devotions. I think playing games to educate is great. I love that the kids all want to snuggle up next to me during devotions. Which causes some disgruntled, as there is only two sides to sit on, and more kids than I have sides. I love keeping up with the kids. I can still climb a tree, do a cartwheel, and play tag on the playground equipment. On Monday nights. When the kids don't have a Biblestudy they are attending, Baseball team that has a game or practice, or any other distractions. We snuggle up on the couch, and watch a good movie, and talk about our day.
very cool idea! very cool incentive! and an amazing mom! your passion of Him shines into the lives of your kids and everyone you are in contact with!
Blessings!
very cool idea! very cool incentive! and an amazing mom! your passion of Him shines into the lives of your kids and everyone you are in contact with!
Blessings!
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