From the Bottom Up!

There are some interesting characteristics that come with the birth order of children.  Some are by God's design and some are created by how a family functions.  Society always puts the older kids first, so at home we try to work it backwards.   It has been our purpose, if we need to call on or ask something of the children, that we always start at the bottom and work our way up.  We try to utilize what we feel is the youngest capable for the job.  They may eventually need help, but it's a delight to see their faces light up when they are asked to do something first!  We have found that this places importance on all the children, matures the younger children, and releives alot of the pressure of being the oldest.   It also allows us to function when the older ones are not around.  I think it forms a pattern for the older kids to think of the younger ones first, try to include them, and work along side of them.  There are plenty of things that older children get to do first, sit up front, use a knife,  drive, etc.  So whether it's a chore, a game, talking on the phone with Dad, or calling them all together, we always try to give everyone a chance to go first, and start from the bottom up!