Nanny 911

Amanda and Lily have been watching a lot of Nanny 911 thanks to Netflix. For the most part, we compare very favorably next to these homes. The problem with the majority of them is that mom and dad are not on the same page. Also, it often seems that either mom or dad is completely clueless. We like to think that we're past that, for the most part.

But what Amanda has gleaned from it is a solution to some of the chaos that reigns in the mornings and afternoons. The nannies often implement schedules for these households that are completely out of control. While our household is rarely out of control, Amanda decided that some scheduling would help in the afternoons.

Now when Lily comes home from school there is a time for homework and chores. Then she and Noah can play, but there is no tolerance for fighting. Of course, this all met with some resistance at first because the structure was a little uncomfortable.

We're a couple of weeks into this now and things could hardly be better. Thursday afternoon was particularly good. Lily tried to teach Noah how to add. He ate it right up. They're both doing their jobs around dinner too. And, perhaps most importantly, they are picking up the living room and their bedrooms every day.

It's amazing what an extra helping of structure can do. The house is tidier and everyone is happier.