Would you hire your son?

Would you hire your child? This question was in the book I read a few weeks ago called "What a Difference a Mom Makes: The Indelible Imprint a Mom Leaves on Her Son's Life." That question really hit home. I love my kids like nothing else. This particular kid we are talking about, my eight-year-old son - I had to answer a big fat "NO." As an employer I wouldn't have him. How sad? Here I thought I was doing a decent job raising him. So, I'm an instant gratification kind of gal and training myself was rough but I did it and today... today was a small-big step in the right direction. I feel compelled to share to all the other mommas out there! For the first time ever, Theron was going to get an allowance. With each pay period we agreed he would SAVE some, SPEND some and GIVE some. No problem with that - he was good with it. Next he had to sign the agreement on the chores; feed and water the dogs, pick up after himself, homework completed (including asking questions - complete means complete), daily reading for 20 minutes (part of homework), do his laundry, keep the media room, his bedroom and the two bathrooms in each of those rooms clean; dusting, vacuuming, scrubbing toilets, mirrors, floors, plus help me around the house as needed which could vary, etc. He was quick to sign off on our deal but the kicker was he had to do all of these things without being reminded. I said, "Theron. This is called being responsible." He was like, " Okay Mom" which basically meant "whatever." The first week I reminded him each day and spent time teaching him how to do the tasks to my liking. I gave him his full allowance on Saturday. The next week I didn't remind him not once, which led to a lot of let downs. I was so disappointed and it took everything I had not to jump his butt, but I didn't. If he didn't do what he was expected to do, then I did it but didn't say anything. Except feeding Ivan. That is Michael's job if it's not Theron's.  Gritting my teeth, I picked his clothes up out of the floor almost every night! This past Saturday I explained to Theron he only earned $3 that week. He looked at me like, "Do what?!?" and I explained to him that every time I did his chores I deducted money from his allowance. He was pretty let down and so was I. Patience is not a virtue of mine but TODAY this kid walked in the house, and without a reminder, did all his chores and homework and looked at me and said, "Momma, what else can I do to help you?" Praise Jesus. Amen. God Bless America! I didn't have to bitch, fuss, cuss or follow him around the house with a fly swatter! He did it all on his own. #determinedmomma #makethatmoneybabe