Surprise Gifts

One of my favorite things to do for my children is to surprise them with gifts of grace at random times. Let me explain: my children each have several chores, including personal care, cleaning and learning activities that they are responsible for on a daily basis. I have these mapped out for them and so they understand exactly what is expected each day. Once you have been consistent with your expectations for a prolonged amount of time, it can be really fun to throw some surprises at them and pull one of the tasks or cut some time required in half. 

For instance, I love going swimming. Like, love, love it, and any chance I get to take my children swimming this summer is a chance that I will jump at. Most of the time I still expect my children to complete all the items on their chore list, but last week it was fun to cut their piano practicing time in half. Because it doesn't happen all the time and because it came out so spur-of-the-moment, it surprised and delighted everyone and was another incentive to get things done quickly so we could get to the pool sooner. 

Yesterday my boys had the task of vacuuming two rooms each and I surprised them by vacuuming everything for them. I want to teach them how to work hard and learn new things, but I will also jump in and help out sometimes. 

Holding firm to your expectations the majority of the time is what makes these gifts of grace fun, unexpected and helps them realize that you are right there with them, willing to help them out from time to time. 

It is fun to give our children gifts! This summer try giving a surprise gift of help or grace a few times. Because you can.