My Dad is a Repo-Man?

Aaaagggghhhh, raising kids can be such a joy and drag at the same time I sometimes don’t know if I am succeeding or failing miserably (I feel like more of the later more than I care to say)!  Aside from all of that,  I assume I am not alone in trying to figure out a strategy for motivating my boys to take care of their business? 

Over the years I have watched closely as my brother and sister raised 3 boys who are now adult age but not independent.  Did I just say that, “adult age but not independent” - what does that mean? To me it means kids (in large part) are not able to totally leave your house until well into their 20s (30s for some).  Ok, while this is scary for me, my wife has told the boys that they can stay at home as LONG AS THEY NEED — HUH, do I get a vote?  I know what she said, but she did not mean that cause their can only be one Alpha in my home - I’m referring to me and not my wife for those not keeping up with the conversation.

Now that I know my wife’s position, how do I influence my boys so they become responsible and productive citizens? Then it hit me, my brother became a repo-man when no other techniques would work - that’s it!  Can you picture me jumping up, doing flips & cartwheels - naw me either, just imagine a giant kool-aid grin on my face.  So off I went to inform my oldest son that his phone would not be replaced until he stepped up to the plate and began to take care of his business.  He laughed it off the first 3 days or so but then quickly realized that I was not playing and summer is approaching.  How will he communicate with his friends, I told him we have plenty of paper, pens, envelopes and stamps - imagine the look on his face - score one for the dad!

Now on to my youngest who is a motivated kid but for what ever reason will not take care of the eczema he has even though he has everything that he needs. Armed with this great weapon, I approached in a calm/confident manner and let him know that I will be repo-ing his iPad & iPod until his eczema is better maintained.  The look on his face let me know that I hit his sweet spot also - score two for the dad - It was a good day!

Now the boys are motivated, making progress and in my view learning there are rewards for taking care of your responsibilities.  On the flip side, there are consequences if you do not take care of your responsibilities.  We endure the same lessons in our adult life with work, school, relationships, raising children, etc…

I am curious to know what works for you in motivating your children to be responsible - please share and post in the comments section.

Blessings,
-d

Hebrews 12:5-7 - "And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons:“My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.”  If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?"