What Do I Do With These Kids?

What would you do with them if it was summer? At least right now you can keep them on a schedule of completing school work. Be careful with your adult leverage. Most adults move rapidly from, "Go watch TV" to, "You are grounded for the rest of your life". Kids respond to gaining privileges from appropriate actions. Earning more freedom if much better than responding to losses. There are, however, kids that will push the envelope for the sake of having your attention. Consequences need to be real. These consequences need to be consistent, not based on how you are feeling that day. If a kid feels like they can test the boundaries and the boundaries move, that encourages them to make those tests frequently. Your television may not be helping their attitude. But simple things like TV time and computer time are leverage. Cell phone use is leverage. Remember the key; don't use all of your leverage at the same time.

In their free time, what could they do that would be interesting? I don't remember a time, as a kid that I was uninterested in having money. Back in the pre-Jurassic Park period we did recycling for money. Back then it was coke bottles. Okay, okay, soft drink bottles then. We did some grass cutting and weeded flower beds and such. There were always some really old people (like 30 and older) that needed some help. Today requires serious social distancing. No using their glasses for water or using their restroom.  Still, getting paid could come in handy in households that have been restricted by one or more parents being out of a job temporarily. Someone in the neighborhood might need help digging up a space in their yard to put in a garden. It is a great prepping plan for right now. Do you have a pressure washer? There are homes in our area that are still in need of a cleaning job. You could make some money or even do something for a neighbor or friend as a ministry to them.

A word to the supervising adults- supervise! Please keep in mind that sex trafficking, and other perverse activities are rampant in our culture today. Children through young adults are favorite targets. People in your community might abuse your child or grandchild and threaten them if they tell. Don't leave that child or children alone. People will use various kinds of 'bait' to draw kids in, and you don't want to have that to deal with on top of this crisis. Be there but use the time to teach them to be safe, social distance, and yet productive instead of bored. This sounds like lessons that could last a lifetime. Oh yes, if you borrow tools make certain you take them back.