Rules

I wanted to just briefly go over some rules of my home so we're all on the same page of the program.

Toys: If you bring a toy from home it needs to be shared. We can do this by playing together or by taking turns. If it's very special and you don't want to share, please leave it at home. I know this can be unpredictable so I always give the kids the option of putting the toy back in the bag and leaving it at home next time if it's too hard to share. This rule is important to me because I have asked my kids to share everything they own and it breaks my heart to see them be told they can't play with the toys someone else brings.

Treats: Same with toys. If you bring a treat, there needs to be enough to share. I also don't allow sharing of germ spreading treats...licking the same lollipop, drinking the same juice, it all grosses me out too much. I work really hard at providing a balanced and varied diet for the kids. I would love help in this category if you want to send in treats, but it's hard on the little girls to watch someone enjoying a delicious treat while they're eating their whole grain crackers and milk. :) FYI: we do have some food allergies (raw cinnamon, ranch dressing, red food coloring) and some dietary restrictions due to extensive dental work (no gum, sticky candies or soda).

Shoes: We walk to school everyday. They're gonna get muddy. It also takes me forever to get everyone's shoes on. We're working on tying the tie shoes but home reinforcement on independence would be awesome. They can all get their own socks & shoes on (if not tied) and their coats on (if not zipped) by themselves...keep up the good work!

Pick up: I'd like to be a little more professional with this part. Office hours end at 5pm M,T,Th,F and 7pm on Wednesday. We eat dinner between 5 & 5:15 and I start to get pressure from my bosses if their Mom-time (and wife-time) is infringed upon! I only have those few hours to get all of my church meetings, one-on-one kid time, cleaning, shopping and other stuff done before I have to get in bed for the 7:20am restart. I take caring for your children very seriously and working more than 10 hours a day really wears me out!

Sickness: Fevers, vomiting and contagious rashes need to stay home! :) I think the school rule is 24 hours symptom free for things like that and while I'm not going to be super strict, please be nice to me and make reasonably sure they won't barf again! :))) We're all going to be exposed to the same things so the runny noses and lingering coughs don't bother me. Although, it is difficult to do our fun and exciting plans when one of the kids is struggling with a serious illness. I will be sure to keep you apprised by phone or email if I notice a new symptom or if something becomes worse. If I come down with some terrible thing the prohibits me watching children, I'll call you as soon as I can.