Grace has had a very difficult time going to bed for the past 2 weeks. I'm weary to my very spirit of dealing with her inability to fall asleep, unwillingness to attempt to fall asleep, and irritable, grouchy behavior the following day.

I noticed that in colonial times, and even with some families today, children ar given large amounts of chores. Some people subscribe to the "delayed schooling" theory, which basically suggests that until children are mature enough to learn and WANT to learn, they should be given chores and work around the home to develop a sense of responsibility and work ethic.

I've decided to apply some of that theory. Grace was up very late last night, throwing temper tantrums and refusing to go to bed. We couldn't contain her in her room and saw that this behavior is escalating. Today, I laid down the new law. No television. At all. Not even during breakfast. I started her on her school work immediately, and when she complained of feeling tired, I gave her the choice of completing her school work or taking a nap. She completed her schoolwork with no more complaints. I assigned her extra chores, which included folding 3 loads of laundry. I insisted she pick up her room and she did, with no complaint.

She had a melt down after a playdate today and I was worried that I would encounter resistance at bedtime, especially with Terry working 2nd shift this week. I am relieved to say that she went to bed nicely, without getting up even once. I suspect extra chores are working. That, and giving her a pizza night to look forward to on Friday if she can keep up her hard work and a good attitude and going to bed peacefully.