Oliver's First Right of Passage

Matt and I are both firm believers that teaching our kids to work hard, always try their best and have fun are very important lessons to learn from an early age.  We want our kids to be respectful and obedient to authority and to understand that with obedience comes great reward!
The bible speaks much about obedience and the reward that we have in Christ.  We are not to be building our kingdom here on the earth, but storing up treasures in heaven! (Matthew 6:20)

Several references about these topics include:

Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? Romans (6:16)

Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:12)

The reward for humility and fear of the LORD is riches and honor and life. (Proverbs 22:4)

As we try to emphasize the importance of obedience and reward that is presented in the gospel, we are beginning to introduce these concepts to our young children by expecting them to be obedient to their parents. "Children obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right." (Ephesians 6:1) Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord." (Colossians 3:20) We are also helping them to experience some kind of reward that comes with their obedience.  We know that reward in the bible is referring to the joy and love we receive through Christ, so we often talk about the heart with Oliver and Ellie.  When we chose to be obedient one of the greatest rewards is the joy we feel in our hearts.  

For Oliver's fourth birthday we wanted to create his first "right of passage" to becoming an older and more responsible boy.  With this right he was to receive responsibilities that only "big boys" get to have.  Special gifts were arranged to bring him to "big boy" status:)

Oliver Received a Daily Jobs Chart that was designed for him to start completing tasks independently in the home as a part of his morning, afternoon and evening routines.  At the top of his chart it says "Helping others shows that we are thankful in our hearts." When Oliver masters a day of tasks with a happy heart he gets to place a ribbon at the bottom of his chart.  When he completes his tasks, but struggles with heart issues (such as pouting or refusing) he is able to place a star at the bottom of his chart. When he lines up seven ribbons he gets the privilege of helping his dad with a big guy project around the house.  Last week he got to help clean out moms van (he loved it)...and so did I!  This chart has given us ample opportunity to talk with him about his heart and has given him the opportunity to feel joy when he helps out and is obedient!
Here is the hard copy of my chore chart jobs that could probably be used for most small children. All you will need is some kind of pocket chart or created poster board with Velcro dots!
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B-4_yroOwt-aMVhSS2FiQWlpU2M/edit
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B-4_yroOwt-aUTVtN3RwSlBmMDg/edit

Oliver also received a suit of armor that reflects wearing the Armor of God.  This particular set has each piece labeled to reflect the Armor of God.  Matt was then able to talk with him about wearing the armor of God always.  The Helmet of Salvation, the Breastplate of Righteousness, the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word, the Belt of Truth and this set comes with the Gospel of Peace to be worn on their shins.  Oliver loves talking about battling Satan and his lies and feels very brave and strong in his armor.

The last gift he received for his "right of passage" was his very own cleaning bucket and laundry basket.  His cleaning bucket is labeled with his name and includes a duster, all natural cleaning spray, a scrub brush and two sponges.  You would not believe how often he is pulling out his cleaning bucket and asking if he can please clean something...this is music to a moms ears! 

**Implementing Tip: Matt and I were thrilled about how excited Oliver was to turn four and begin all of these new responsibilities.  We spent a lot of time talking to him about these things before his birthday and the transition was a piece of cake.  This morning Oliver ran out of his room having dressed himself (pants and shirt on backwards and mismatched) and having made his own bed without any reminders.  He was so proud and so was I!  He is a little man in the making. Obedience and Reward work...