Mini Bootcamp

We have had some... shall we say,.... challenges lately revolving around first time obedience and respect. It was something that crept up on us during the craziness of the past two weeks, one of those being Spring Break where Daddy was home full time and our schedule was anything but normal (and wouldn't trade it for the WORLD!). We are going to Seattle on Friday for my cousin Poppy's wedding and getting firm control is a necessity. So...I took a some time over the weekend to review the Bootcamp notes that I got off of a parenting website and make a plan of action for the week.



First, I would like to say how much I enjoy KNOWING my children. I know where their hearts are at and where others may see a "minor disobedience issue", I know IF there is an underlying problem that needs to be addressed. I also know whether or not, what I am doing is effective and can change my approach if necessary. I know that certain things work for one but not for the others. I am so thankful that I have the opportunity to train and guide my children and have a relationship with them and that the Lord is leading Phil and I on a certain and specific path to accomplish His work in their lives.



I thought I would share my bootcamp information.



Here is my outline:

Bootcamp

Preparation	Rules and Expectations	Opportunities/Activities
Lots of prayer coverage	“Yes Mom/Dad” everytime a direction is given	Mat time
Good attitude and lots of smiles from Mom and Dad	Good attitude (no grumbling, whining, complaining, pouting, etc)	Table time
Heart Strings focus – lots of hugs, love, and praise!	First time and immediate obedience	Bean bag time
Classical/Praise music in the background	**Do what I say, when I say, with a smile on your face	Couch/lap training
Simple/Easy meals, Paper plates		“Yes Mom/Dad” training
Stay home		"Stop" training (stop and look at parent when called)
Pre-house clean/clutter clean		Hand in lap/patience training
Speak in a quieter tone than usual		Table Manners
Give quiet and firm directions		Adult talking time training (no interrupting)
Recognize the good – lots of positive affirmation		Give lots of practice
Limited toys, children choose toy choice for the day
Mom/Dad choose play activities, books, etc.
Extreme Tomato Staking (having your children with you at all times)

Here is my schedule:

Bootcamp Schedule

7:30 When children wake up: beanbag and books (I choose), no talking, stay on beanbags

8:00 While Mom fixes b-fest: sit in chairs in the kitchen with a toy of their choice – talk, sing, music in background, have them help, quiet voices, sitting still, following cooking directions with “yes mom”, etc,

8:30 Breakfast: table manner training sit still, mouth closed while chewing, use utensil, lean over plate, wait until everyone is done, ask permission to be excused (or wait until told), clear place, wash hands, “yes mom”, please and thank you, being grateful

9:00 “Yes Mom” training and morning routine: clean-up room, get dressed, brush teeth choose 5 toys for the day, add in lots of silly stuff like belly crawl to the couch and back, immediate obedience, “Yes Mom”

9:30 Breakfast clean-up: Help and/or Table Time activity, staying in own space, play for the allotted time

10:00 Mat time (I choose toys): stay on your mat, play for the allotted time

10:30 Exercise: Outside walk (if weather permits), red light/green light, simon says, follow the leader, scooters, etc., stop training, following directions, staying in control/not becoming rambunctious or silly, “Yes Mom”

11:00 Story: Lap training/couch training, sitting still, listening

11:30 School: art, activity, etc, listening and following directions, staying in your own space, sharing supplies, “Yes Mom”

12:00 While Mom fixes lunch: sit in chairs in the kitchen (no toy), sing, talk, help where appropriate/instructed, sitting still, “Yes Mom”

12:30 Lunch: table manner training sit still, mouth closed while chewing, use utensil, lean over plate, wait until everyone is done, ask permission to be excused (or wait until told), clear place, wash hands, “yes mom”, please and thank you, being grateful

1:00 Naps: Quiet talking ~15 minutes or so, quiet reading while laying down, sleep training, laying down and quiet when told, toys stay on bed, no standing

3:00 When children wake up: beanbag and books (I choose), no talking, stay on beanbags

3:30 1-2 TV shows while mom starts dinner, sitting still, staying in one place on the couch, if you don’t want to watch, sit on a chair in the kitchen next to mom

4:00 Exercise: Outside walk (if weather permits), red light/green light, simon says, follow the leader, scooters, etc., stop training, following directions, staying in control/not becoming rambunctious or silly, “Yes Dad”

5:00 Dinner: table manner training sit still, mouth closed while chewing, use utensil, lean over plate, wait until everyone is done, not interrupting Mom and Dad, ask permission to be excused (or wait until told), clear place, wash hands, “yes Mom/Dad”, please and thank you, being grateful

6:00 Mat time (parent choice), stay on your mat, play for the allotted time

6:30 Story time: Lap training/couch training, sitting still

7:00 “Yes Mom/Dad” training and evening routine: clean-up room, get jammies on, floss and brush teeth, add in lots of silly stuff, immediate obedience, “Yes Mom/Dad”

7:30 Games, playdough, other fun activity, taking turns, good sports

8:00 In bed, Daddy reads the Bible, quiet play time/talking ~15 minutes or so, quiet reading while laying down, sleep training, laying down and quiet when told, toys stay on bed, no standing

Here is my nitty gritty plan:

Activities and Plans

March 29^th – April 2^nd

	Table Time	Mat time	School	Mat time	Game
Monday	*N color sheet *Foam alphabets *Pattern Blocks	*Puzzles *Tubs (rocks, shells, jewels)	*Horses timeline *acrylic paints	*Legos	Bean bag toss Playdough
Tuesday	*Tree color sheet *Beads	*Kitchen Toys *Trains	Before 5 in a row I am an artist (77) Practice lines	*Lincoln logs *Tinker toys	Worm game
Wednesday	*Duck cutting page *Num Cards *Alphabet cards	*Stackers *Gadgets	B 5 in a row reread Crayon rubs	*Knexs	Concentration
Thursday	*Free coloring *Geoboards	*People/animals *Dollhouse	B 5 in a row Still life: senses, texture, colors	*Magnets	Hi-Ho Cherrio

Menu Plan

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday
Breakfast: eggs Lunch: pb and j Dinner: beef stew, biscuits, veggie	Breakfast: oatmeal Lunch: pb and j Dinner: potato casserole, salad	Breakfast: pancakes Lunch: pb and j Dinner: B-fest burritoes	Breakfast: eggs Lunch: pb and j Dinner: Beef Curry and Rice, veggie

I have these up and posted in the kitchen and in the playroom

Morning Review:

Things have gone very well!!!!! We have been structured and have spent lots of time together (which is the backbone of bootcamp). I have been able to catch attitude issues the second they begin. How much easier it is to catch and stop at the top of the hill instead of half way down when you have caught up too much speed to stop full out! The children have certainly risen to meet the expectations! They have followed directions and responded to the reminders. First time obedience is much improved as is the respect for authority. It is amazing how much more peaceful our home is and how much happier our children are when they aren't wallowing in wrong thoughts (attitudes and self pity) and when their boudaries are clearly defined.