This family had an election among the children for who was to be the president and vice president in the family. The president and vice were able to make propositions, such as extending the bedtime or allowing cookies at dinner, but they could also be impeached--by the parents.
There are many ways you could use this idea to suit your own family's needs. Perhaps the parents could be the president and vice president, with children being senators and legislators. Laws and propositions could be proposed, voted on, passed or even vetoed.
Another family who use to have a "working mom", that is a mom who worked outside the home, used the union and boss idea to teach their children leadership skills and work ethics.
At this time of year, perhaps you could have your family become Santa's workshop and the children could be the elves. They would make gifts for siblings and parents and ensure that fun and good things to eat were ever prevalent.
One family had elves keep track of whether their children were naughty or nice with the elf leaving a piece of candy or a piece of coal each night in the children's shoes. A recent book entitled, The Elf on the Shelf has a similar idea of an elf "spying" on children. This may or may not appeal to you. It might depend on your children and if you feel they need extra encouragement to be good or not.
I prefer having children focus on what THEY can do to help and encourage their siblings. Maybe they can be elves who leave notes when they see their siblings helping each other out or being obedient to parents.
All the ideas above relate to the fact that families work together for the good of the family. Keep that idea in mind as you go throughout the holidays. As a family, you can help neighbors, grandparents, those in need, those who are less fortunate, and even your own family members.
That's what families do!
Thanks for reading,
Cathy
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