I have seven children and seven grand children. I have learned a few things along the way.

!. REGULAR MEALS AND HEALTHY SNACKS: We got in the habit of regular meals and healthy snacks. If they are fed regularly, they are less likely to complain about hunger. I would also keep fruit and nuts on the table and a water dispenser close so they could help themselves.

2. LONG WALKS:I had my first three in four years. When I was pregnant with my third, a German woman moved into the apartment complex where we lived. She had a baby buggy and I had a wagon, She would put her baby in the buggy and my children would take turns pulling each other in the wagon. When my two year old got tired, we would put him with her child in the buggy. We developed the rhythm and habit of taking an hour walk every day, year round and we lived in Denver at the time. We would walk after lunch. I got fit, and the kids wore out. When we got back, they were ready to cuddle and listen to their favorite stories and would drift off to nap. Sometimes they did not nap and I insisted on quiet time. Children who get pent up energy out are usually easier to channel. My third child walked at 6 months and by a year could walk a mile and refused the stroller, she loved to run along.

3. LIMIT MEDIA ACCESS. Children who have limited access to media have an easier time developing attention spans. We had neither TV nor Computer access until the youngest of the first three was six and a half. Media babysitters tend to breed into children the constant need for entertainment.

4. FAMILY READING. I picked an interesting long series, The Little House Books. The first day I read until they started disturbing each other, about 1/2 page. The newborn suckled, the two year old played on the floor and listened, and the four year old sat next to me. They could be busy as long as they were not distracting someone else. It was not long before they realized that if they were quiet I would continue to read and they could stay up. The 1/2 page gave way to chapters!

5. THE WALTON PLAN. Based on a 1970's TV show, which was based on a depression era story. They were a farm family. They all went to bed at the same time, adults and children. Goodnight Ma, Goodnight PA, Goodnight Mary Ellen, Goodnight John boy... Kids need more rest and when they have spent their energy and retire early they do adjust to sleeping longer. The parents and grandparents were always up before the kids. I think many children stay up because they are afraid they'll miss out. Well, if the house is quiet that is not likely. Our bodies naturally respond to change in light. When we artificially keep the sun out with TVs and computer into the late night, we trick our bodies, somewhat, and we do not produce the melatonin to make us tired. Turning stuff off after dinner and having a wind down family time can help reset those natural clocks. I honestly believe that night people have trained themselves to do that. I used to believe I was a night person. Now I know better. Retiring with the children gives me a good night's sleep before arising with a fresh mind to study scriptures. DeMille wrote in his book that we start with ourselves, and we start with our central canon, drink from it everyday, align our lives with it and teach it to our children. That is the most powerful example you can set when it comes to scholarly learning. The skills developed there can be carried into other studies later.

6. FAMILY WORK: I have found that most moms who grew up after 1960s are aware of chores but not family work. They have a difficult time grasping core phase because they were often in daycare or preschool. When you say delay academics and focus on work and play, they often translate that into getting the children entertained so mom can work. Children need to work along side their parents. This builds identity, relationships, the idea of a work ethic, quality, and more. Children can learn to work independently as they grow and mature and try to do more themselves. I see chores as a factory model that crept into the homeculture. We teach stewardship in other ways, through dividing other family responsibilities. Each person gets to be a leader in something, and each gets to learn how to support a leader. The youngest might be the prayer and devotions caller. One child is responsible to gather the family to plant and care for the garden. One child is responsible to help us plan and carry out family activities. All help put meals on and all help clean up.

When kids are small you snatch moments when you can. Carry a classic in your pocket or purse. Read some to your children. We have read most of the children's classics, and I have read small children Lonesome Gods, Jane Eyre, Little Britches, Laddie, Pride and Prejudice, The Children's Homer, Narnia, and even biographies. The mom in Laddie learned along with her children. When you have core and love of learners I really do not think it is reasonable to spend hours in study. It is not the season. The example they need is of family culture of books, starting with the scriptures, and seeing that good literature is important. Now is the time to lay down boundaries, the tracks of good habits and habitudes so that as they grow, they can be better governors of self and not need constant entertainment. They need to see you alive, inquisitive and sharing. I feel that a mom sitting for hours in the afternoon reading is not a very inspiring example to little children. As they grow, if you tend to their core and love of learning you will see the day that there will be more time for self. Those moms just starting out, who have not had children or have sleeping infants and toddlers may also have time, but if children are older, you may be lucky to get in 15-30 minutes a day beyond personal scripture study. Add to that going to the library and family scripture study and read alouds to your children and they will get the idea that you value education and learning.

Breathe. it is OK. Enjoy your kiddos. They are only young once!