"Professional Time Wasters"

Saturday mornings are usually spent doing our outside work. Scott and the boys are typically the ones who mop the garage floor, blow everything off, trim the bushes, fertilize flowers and the list goes on.

This past Saturday, I left Scott working outside with the four older kids and took Sophie to dance. When I got home, things weren't going all that great. We won't mention any names but, it was the typical....

So and so won't do his work... So and so has less work than me... Why do I always get the hardest jobs.... It's hot out here... I'm thirsty, can't I take one tiny break?.... Your a slave driver.... This sucks!...When are we going to be done.... I do everything...

Amidst the complaining and arguing that was going on. Scott was trying to make light of the situation and probably trying to keep his cool, along with keeping things fun. He came up with the term:

"Professional Time Wasters!"

He claims they are "professionals." I laughed when he came up with this and couldn't agree more. Not to be rude, but it's true. We have struggled with helping our kids learn how to manage their time efficiently. I feel like I am constantly trying to help them get back on task, to get their things done. I'm not one who likes to talk about my kids weakness' especially on my blog but, I do like to keep it real. We have our challenges and anyone who knows us, knows that!

So instead of grounding them because of their bad attitudes, Scott decided to give them an incentive. He told them, "who ever could change their attitude and find the joy in working efficiently, from this point forward, would get a surprise at the end of the day!" That perked their interest and they were able to stop being professional time wasters and dig deep to make a change. For some, it was harder than others and for one, it wasn't hard at all!

All their hard work had payed off when they found out they earned a trip to the lake with mom and dad for the afternoon. They definitely worked hard and did some serious damage control with their changed attitudes. Hopefully, they learned from their dad, how you don't want to be a professional at wasting time!

This is a principle that I want to instill into my children and it seems to take more patience than I think I have, but I will not give up on it! I love the quote that President Monson once said.

Let each of us cultivate a willingness to work. Procrastination is truly a thief of time- especially when it comes to downright hard work.

I am grateful for a fun afternoon with just my family, that doesn't happen as much as I would like.

I love you guys!