A card from Fair Play by Eve Rodsky
Informal Education (Kids)
Do you remember who taught you how to hold your breath underwater? Throw a ball? Ride a bike? Of course you do, and so will your child as soon as this cardholder gets to work. Kudos to you for the countless hours you’ll spend hovering over a bike seat with your back wrenched—that’s the Execution—but pay special attention to the Conception and Planning, as well. Start thinking now about those special milestone moments and life skills you want to teach your children. (Hint: If your kid is the only one in class still wearing Velcro sneakers, you might want to remedy that by teaching him to tie his shoes.)
Holding this card means owning all three
Conception
You want your kids to learn
Planning
- Determining age-appropriate skills for children (e.g., shoe tying, buttoning a shirt, bike riding, etiquette/manners/how to write a thank you note, preparing a meal)
- Setting a chores list as they grow (coordinate with the related cardholders)
Execution
- Implement plan to impart skills
- Modeling chores/manners
- Enforcing a chores list as they grow
Suggested Minimum Standard of Care
Is your child developing age-appropriate life skills without too much stress?
A starting point. You and your partner agree the real standard together, and the holder meets it without reminders.
Holding it well
- The holder owns all of it: noticing, planning and doing. No “just tell me what to do.”
- Agree the Minimum Standard of Care together, then let the holder meet it their way.
- Not working? Bring it to the weekly check-in and re-deal it. Don’t take it back mid-week.
Put this card on your table
Deal it, agree its standard, and see who holds what. Free.