If you give a mom a muffin,
She'll want a cup of coffee to go with it.
So she'll pour herself a cup.
The coffee will get spilled by her three year old.
So, she'll wipe it up.
Wiping the floor, she'll find some dirty socks.
She'll remember she had to do some laundry.
When she puts the laundry in the washer,
She'll trip over some snow boots and bump into the freezer.
Bumping into the freezer will remind her she has to plan supper for tonight.
She will get out a pound of hamburger.
She'll look for her cookbook. (101 Things to Make With a Pound of Hamburger)
The cookbook is sitting under a pile of mail.
She will see the phone bill which is due tomorrow.
So she will look for the checkbook.
The checkbook is in her purse that is being dumped out by her two year old.
She'll smell something funny.
She'll change the two year old.
While she is changing the two year old, the phone will ring (Of Course!)
Her five year old will answer it and hang up.
She remembers that she wants to phone a friend to come over for coffee on Friday.
Thinking of coffee will remind her that she was going to have a cup.
She will pour herself some.
And chances are, if she has a cup of coffee,
Her kids will have eaten the muffin that went with it.

Sometimes we receive calls from parents assuming our home is always found in perfect running order. Just like in the story above, our life has daily trials and obstacles. Accountable Kids helps bring structure and balance into our home, but life is not perfect. Parenting is not easy! The great thing about the Accountable Kids program is you do not have to be perfect. Each day presents opportunities to teach and model values that will help children be successful. So the next time you have a rough day, remember you are not alone. Tomorrow is a new day!

If you are looking for an avenue to pass basic virtues on to your children, we have an idea that may make it a little easier. Each week at your family meeting let your children take turns selecting a virtue for the week. The family learns about the selected virtue and then tries to exhibit this trait all week long. Best Behavior Cards can be earned for displaying the new virtue or virtues learned in previous meetings. Our family uses The Family Virtues Guide, by Linda Popov, that has 52 virtues along with fun, simple explanations. This book provides numerous ideas to engage children with thought provoking descriptions. Our children take turns selecting the virtue of the week and even help each other present the ideas discussed in the book. The value of the week gives adults and children tools for spiritual and moral growth. This is a great way to discover simple practices for bringing out the best in each other.

This months book is a series of 12 character-building books and CDs filled with information that will encourage your child to excel. You can select from obedience, honesty, forgiveness, work, courage, happiness, gratitude, love, service, cleanliness, self-esteem and dependability. You can purchase these books individually or as part of a set. Our kids listen to these CDs over and over. They are a great addition to any home!

"Whether you think you can or think you can't, either way you are right"
Henry Ford