Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Gunny Bag, Part II

I've had bunch of people asking me about Gunny and how things are going with him.  I'm happy to report that things are going GREAT!  Let me try to answer your questions. 

Q:  Are your kids still afraid of him?
A: Yes and no.  Not like they were when they thought it was a real person coming.  But they are afraid when he's coming and their things are still not put away.  Otherwise, they BEG for him to come.  They ask a few times a day about when Gunny is coming.

Q:  Do they think he is real?
A:  I think this is like the Muppets Complex.  Yes, they know he is not real.  But they also truly believe that he is.  So they talk to him and look him in the eye.  They hug him, hold his "hand", and wonder what he is doing.  Even though they can see me talking for him, they somehow believe he is still real.

Q:  How long does he keep their toys?
A:  For about a week.  I tell them he'll give them back when he's done with them.  But when they get them back, they have to put it away immediately or he'll eat it again.

Q:  Is it working?
A:  Like a charm.  Taryn isn't as motivated as Keara is, but we've now made it a part of our routine to get the house tidied every night.  And it works.  Taryn's main issue is that she gets distracted by the toys she is putting away.  Sometimes she can get the entire basement cleaned by herself.  But often she needs one of us to be with her.  So, as long as daddy or mommy is helping, the girls do an awesome job getting their things picked up.  They are in charge of their room, the living room, and the basement.  I make sure the other rooms are ready.

Q:  Do they have other chores?
A:  Yes, we have this chore chart for meals.  You know, set, clear, load, unload, and floors.  They have a chore for every meal, including clearing their own plates to the table.  They are awesome at that and it has really helped the atmosphere in our home.  I am no longer the only one doing the work and they are great helpers.  Again, Keara is a star helper.  Taryn needs a lot more help.  But she's doing great!

1 comment:

Emily said...

Gunny Bag rocks! So do you Cheri, you're a lot of fun and great to be around...I saw you sitting on the floor with your feet across the doorway, at church! You make me smile.