I should have planned for this

We just had a FHE on rules and obedience. I showed the kids a picture of a clean house and a dirty house. Then I made up a story about the people that lived in the clean house and the people that lived in the dirty house.

The people who lived in the dirty house didn't have any rules. They had a broken window because someone threw a ball through the window. Their house was stinky because no one ever had to take a bath. Their dog was dying because no one ever gave him food or water. Their toys were broken because they never got picked up and they got stepped on. They couldn't eat because all their dishes were dirty. Everyone screamed and yelled at eachother. . . You get the picture.

Then I explained that the people in the clean house had rules and followed them. They always smelled good because they brushed their teeth and took baths. They had rules about throwing balls outside so their windows weren't broken. Their toys were clean and put away so they always knew where to find them. Their pets were happy and would play with them. No one ever screamed or yelled at eachother. They always ate dinner together and helped clean up . . . Again, you get the picture.

Then I asked which house would you rather live in the dirty, stinky house or the clean, nice house. Of course, Alexandria and AJ chose the right house but DJ - holding true to his DJness - picked the dirty house! The whole lesson backfired right there. Luckily, I was able to pull the, "this is my house" card and I want my house to be nice so we need to follow rules in our home. It was a fun FHE though. I even had the kids help think of some rules that we should have in our house and we have a chart so when I notice them following the rules they'll get rewarded. I just hope DJ gets it.