Zero Tolerance Learning from Momma Momma's RulesOur Daily Chores
When one has a larger family (in order to keep peace, harmony, and sanity), structure and self-discipline become almost mandatory for all parties therein. In addition, having come from an abusive past, dissention of any kind threw mom into a tailspin. Perhaps as a result, she was always teaching about what love is and anything less was never going to be acceptable. Though, her plan of defense accomplished multiple purposes at
same time; keeping both house and home together for however
Lord might call upon our family next.
And being that mom also had
gift of teaching, one always knew there was purpose and benefit in her rules. The lessons that constituted our daily chores went something like this ...
People tend to be polite, not only to others they do not like but even to those that actually make them angry. They'll even work at it, as to how to remove themselves from a situation in which they really feel like exploding. And, most generally, that is considered to be a good thing, to maintain one's composure amidst adversity. However, they tend to take those bottled up frustrations home with them, then take it out on ones they love
most; which makes no sense. Why would you work harder toward giving a right response to people you don't even care about than you do when upset with those you love? And, why would you want to keep hurting
people you really love and need?
Family is to stick together, to love each other, and to be there for each other. When you make family your enemy, you will always eventually lose. Besides, you may need them to be there for you, some day.
It is never ever ok to hurt
people you love. Acts of unkindness would be responded to with penalty and fighting met with even further resistance; no exceptions.
1.) Part of being a valuable member to society is to take responsibility for your own actions, instead of leaving whatever mistake or mess you make for others to have to deal with. And, not only is not very loving to expect mom to be your maid but, in
real world, there will be no one to fix your messes or mistakes.
So, a good place to begin learning accountability is this ... if you make
mess, it is yours to clean up. In fact, this doesn't even count as a chore. This is your responsibility as a person, in addition to chores.
2.) Laziness is an ugly spirit, void of love; exemplary of one's lack of wanting to be a participant of
whole. Not only is it unkind and sometimes hurtful to neglect at other's expense, but it is also dirty, unsanitary, and thoughtless of anyone besides themselves. Therefore, it will not be tolerated.
Every child is to have one age appropriate chore assignment per day, at least week days (whether that assignment includes more than one chore or not); excluding
kitchen.
Then, if an additional family project is needed, it might be taken up on a weekend (everyone pitching in); wherein mom made working together fun and
job got done faster, too.