I was never a very good list person.
My intentions were always good, but I never seemed to have the list in the right place at the right time to either add something to it or cross something off of it. So, in the end, I always just gave up and went by memory.
However, I have 3 kids now. Over the years, I have found out that they are great list followers.
So, I learned early on that I needed to become a good list maker. I saw that most conflict was avoided, arguing about tasks was minimized, and things got done around the house when I started making lists.
I think that the kids like to follow a list because the expectation is spelled out and a sense of accomplishment is felt with every box that is checked.
I make a list for each one of my kids, usually the night before, and leave it on the kitchen table. The next morning, they wake up, see their list, and work on it as the day goes on.
My middle son, in particular, is very responsive to the list. In fact, I have to be careful about making the list too early the evening before. He will actually start on his list and even get it finished before he goes to bed.
Boy, I wish I had that enthusiasm for a list.
So, here’s my funny little list story:
This summer, we had a day when we were just busy getting things done. No lists were needed, it all just kind of happened, unexpectedly. We vacuumed, cleaned bathrooms, swept the porches, watered, weeded, etc. All hands were on deck, and it felt good.
As we were nearing the end of our “getting it done” marathon, Jacob and I had some time together while we were weeding the front walkway.
Mid-weed, he says to me, “This has been a great day, Mom.”
“I agree,” I said feeling that same sense of satisfaction from accomplishing so much.
Silence … weed, weed, weed.
“There’s only one thing that would have made this day better though,” he says.
“What?” I ask.
“A list. If I had made a list … boy would I have had a lot to check off,” and he kept on weeding his weeds. 🙂
So, that’s my funny little list story. The moral of it … I just don’t know. There’s so much really. It was just one of those very cute child/parent moments that I am sure all of you have had, and when you look back on the moment, a warm fuzzy fills you up, and it just makes you smile.
Have a great weekend everybody!
0
