Encourage Reading With The Perfect Nook

Every room should have a curl up, get cozy, never-wanna-get-up-again reading corner. I remember when I was a kid finding clever ways to hide so I could read without being caught and put to work... *chuckle* remember hiding an open book under a towel on the towel bar in the bathroom? Heh heh, I thought I was so clever, then one day I ran across my sister's book occupying my towel rack, and possibly my moms book?? Oh well. 
It seems that between the television, internet, and video games we have ruined a generation for reading and imagination. My kids are always begging to watch this, or play that online "educational" game for school, what happened to the love of a great book? Educational content or not, my kids spend more than enough time online from school alone. I'm on a mission to give them the reading bug!

The "Curl Up" Spot

If I could put a lounge chair in every room I would! Unfortunately I am not rich, so no big bedroom space and no fancy chairs. But that shouldn't stop us from giving ourselves and our children some special little something to curl up in...whether it be the perfect rocker, or a large cushion, or a bunch of soft cushy throw pillows for the corner.
Thanks to the girls' "Aunty L", the Princess Pink bedroom has an awesome
 Poang children's armchair from Ikea, and you wouldn't believe how comfortable it is! Who knew something so great could be assembled out of such a thin little box? 

Proper Lighting
This detail should NOT be overlooked! It may not be as much fun as decorating or accessorizing, but we all know how necessary it is! Please, don't skimp on a nice bright lamp!
I allow my kids to get up early (with the sun!) rather than go to bed late, but I know many parents like to give their kids the privilege of a little extra time to read after lights-out time. And of course some kids will just sneak in a quick "read" regardless! For parents who want to encourage reading at all costs, at least consider leaving a little "night light" reading lamp, or an LED book clamp light in their reading corner. 

Great Reading Materials
What is the use of creating the perfect reading area without having the perfect reading materials? I think it is important to strategically stock our kids bookcases. Keep easy/light reading right at their current reading level, as well as "challenge" books for them. We want our kids to be ever increasing the reading level of difficulty without our prodding. Sure, we do it for school, but why not let them venture out of their own accord without even realizing it? 

Reading Nook Accessories
I love the faux fur that the girls aunt 'L' bought for the Princess Pink bedroom. With something so soft you just cozy up and never want to leave!
Consider a journal and a set of pretty ink pens for your kids to keep a "blog" of their thoughts on great reads. 

Keeping It Organized
Kids bookcases are often a hot mess, especially if they have a sizable book collection! Simple items such as baskets, magazine holders, book caddies, or even bookends help keep those books wrangled. I don't clean my kids bedrooms for (and admittedly not even with) them, so keeping those bookcases tidy needs to be toddler easy!

Consider how you set up the books... sick and tired of them tumbling out of the shelf? It's just too difficult for our youngest ones to hold books upright while trying to jam the rest in... lay them face down in like stacks. My youngest knows that her coloring books go in one stack, her "church time" books in another, and big books in another. Simple, but easily kept on the shelf, and I'm teaching her basic organization tactics for her age. Other times, let's face it, you just need to streamline their bookshelf before it takes over the world like an evil villain!

The Thank You Jar

I want to help my children become kind, courteous, self-less little people who put one another other first. Nobody pinch me, I know I'm dreaming!! But if there were ever a dream worthy of pursuit, this would be it.
Being courteous isn't much of a challenge when it is to those outside the home, but sometimes we take for granted those we love most, and instead of showing them our greatest efforts, courteous kindness and loving consideration, we give them less effort than we would a stranger.
Occasionally we need a little help remembering to express thanks, show kindness and sacrificial love to our family. Imagine a home where spouses put each others needs first, and children were polite to one another, that would make home the sweetest haven. That makes our character one of the most important elements of making this house a home. Not as easy as giving a room a makeover, or organizing our space or time, but even more important to "get in order"!

The Problem
Ok, I will take a moment to be vulnerable and bear my soul, to address something I believe is the most important part to accomplishing this dream for our children: our own example. 
Since children tend to be "mini-me's", the greatest obstacle I have found in cultivating these positive traits is my own selfishness. *Sigh* Don't get me wrong, I can be very sweet and I am always polite, I have done many charitable acts for others, it is when there is no perceived reciprocation, or someone appears to take my kindnesses "for granted" that I become a bit of an egomaniac. Yep, my silly brain tells me foolish things like "if you do these nice little acts for people they will expect it all the time, and worst walk all over you! You have to protect and take care of YOU since nobody else will!", and thus begins the cycle of selfishness executed with the air of martyrdom spurred on by a false justification. Of course, all this starts on the inside, but eventually these ideas seep into our actions. So no matter what others may or may not do for you, never allow it to be an excuse to repay with harsh words or selfish action.  
That being said, I admit I am a definite "work-in-progress", and must make sure my impressionable mini-me's have a good example. Kind courteous acts and words begin with us. When our children see mom and dad being sweet, tender, courteous, and kind to others as well as one another without  reserve, they will follow suit. Start early, love much!

The Plan: The "Thank You" Jar
So I had this crazy idea for a project that just might help train my kids in kindness! I know, you're saying seriously, you organize and create projects to train?? I told you I believed in the power of an organized life! *cheesy grin*
In addition to teaching, and giving correction when my child does something mean or acts selfishly to a sibling, I wanted to encourage positive responses through positive reinforcement. Thus the Thank You Jar has emerged. 
The jar is kept stocked with cards containing some nice little treat inside. Some have healthy candy, a tiny toy, or stickers, anything that would appeal to the little ones. 
When one of us notices a particularly kind and selfless act on the part of a family member, and we want to acknowledge it, we can then take from the Thank You Jar and write them a little note to show our appreciation.

 I keep the jar well stocked with exciting new goodies, some cheap cards I find from thrift stores, and a few blank cards for the girls to create their own card designs. Instead of me alone rewarding my children for selflessness, they can reward one another! In addition, they learn what I have had a hard time learning...to recognize and appreciate the little efforts of those around them. 
Think of it as a year round Valentines day. A selfless act, encourages and reciprocates another selfless act. 
Since nothing substitutes for our personal example,  I too use the "Thank You Jar". I occasionally give a card to one of the children, or I can throw a little "love letter" in the hubby's lunchbox. 

Taking It To The Next Level...

Don't stop there, take it a step farther, begin to do other acts of kindness and include your children in the process. Take the effort to make a special dish daddy will love, aid a child in volunteering to help his/her sibling clean up a mess just to be kind, show your children what it means to sacrifice your own wants and desires instead showing courteous kind deeds. 
The card giving is only a jumping off point by which we practice awareness of these virtues, and begin to encourage it in deed. 
Extend your kind deeds and gratefulness beyond the family circle. As a family brainstorm ways in which to show kindness or extend gratefulness to others you associate with.

Chore System for the Kids

Keeping a clean house can be like pulling teeth...a lot of pressure now, and painful later. 
Most of us fuss and "remind" until we're blue in the face. Hi, my name is "most of us", and I'm a recovering fusser. It has been quite a journey, I have gone through several chart variations, attempted several systems of reward and discipline, and lots and lots of sighing very deeply. 

The "Task" Center
This area consists of three important parts to help us stay on task; Customized Chore Charts, Work for Hire, and Chore of the Week. No worries, it is simpler than it sounds.

Customized Chore Charts
There are plenty of awesome chore charts floating around Pinterest, but as I can never do anything the easy way, I went ahead and customized charts for my girls. 
I felt the need to have a Daily Schedule for quick reference, a To-Do list and a Personal Goals list included in the chore chart. The To-Do's are more like reminders for those daily tasks that I didn't want my kids to associate as a chore, such as piano practice. I also allowed them to create their own personal goals to work toward, it gives them a sense of ownership. 
I will make my customizable chart available to you in a word document for personalization, and one in pdf format for those who like it as is.
I highly recommend you personalize it to your kids and their needs. Let them fill in the bubbles on the computer, type in their own names, and choose the colors and font. Maybe even change it drastically, add clip art, whatever appeals to you. I believe ownership of a project makes a big difference, both on your part as well as your kids! Make it fun, you really want your kids to have as much a positive view as possible when you're establishing a chore system!

Download the Kids Chore Chart Word doc, customize, and print! Or if you prefer to keep the same layout I have already created, print and fill in with pen the Kids Chore Chart pdf version.

Chore of the Week
Messes don't follow a schedule, so every chore chart needs a section that can be flexible. One of the weekly chores listed on the girls chore chart is "Chore of the Week". On that day, they can choose from one of the options I hang under a Chore of the Week label. It lets me get those extra little miscellaneous tasks accomplished that come along every month or so.

Work for Hire
The chores you use for Chore of the Week can be the same set used for Work for Hire. It gives you more opportunities to get those numerous tasks accomplished by your kids (sssshhhhh, don't tell them), and it gives them an opportunity to clean your wallet out. I'd call it a win-win, or at least a draw. Work for Hire is optional, but since my kids don't receive an allowance and I don't buy them toys, they are always clamoring to make a little money... tricky right? I'm encouraging work ethic while getting my home clean. That's right, like a fox baby, sly like a fox. (Wooo, sorry about that moment, I get a little cheesy sometimes.)

Here you can download the Chore of the Week & Work for Hire sheet. Customize, or just print and cut. 

Making it Work
No matter how many charts you employ, it isn't the chart that is going to make your kids do their work and do it well, it is you and the system you put into place.
Practice Consistency: Help your kids get into the habit of checking their chart. My kids get small breaks in between chores and school, but until all their chores and tasks for the day are completed, no real fun shall commence. In addition, they cannot opt to "Work for Hire" until all chores and tasks are complete. 
Motivate: The hubby very wisely plans "play dates" with the kiddos and "dates" with me, this way all his girls aren't clamoring for his attention at the same time. This and other fun end of day practices motivate the girls to be finished with all tasks and chores by the time dad comes home. They know that if they aren't done, they can't join in the fun until all work is completed. Then the poor sad munchkin who dawdled all day has to work whilst her sisters gleefully play. 
Reward: It's the moment when your kid comes running up to you at the end of a work day and yells "mom, I'm done! Can I play Catan with you and dad when he gets home?". Victory! She was motivated enough to follow her chart and get all her day's tasks completed all by herself, and you didn't even notice until it was done. When this happens, every so often I give the girls an extra reward to let them know I appreciate their initiative and determination. Whether it be a sweet treat, a special activity, or a simply a big hug and an "I'm so proud of you", be sure to let your munchkin know that he or she did good.