Inspire not Require

Something we often say at our house is "Inspire not Require". It is one of Oliver Demille's keys of great teaching and it has translated into every part of our lives. When ever anyone starts getting a little too bossy or demanding (including Mom) we remind each other to "Inspire not Require". It is really a lot harder to find ways to inspire a person instead of commanding them. So too inspire us all we have been playing "The Bean Counter Game". The way that it works is that every time someone does something good or kind or accomplishes a difficult task they get to put some beans in the jar. When the jar is all filled up we get to do something fun as a family. It is really very simple but I love it because we are all working at our own levels to accomplish a common goal. Everyone encourages each other along. There is no competing against each other because everyone wants each other to earn beans so we can fill up the jar!
Anyway, yesterday we filled the jar! It took us about 5 months but we did it! So today we are having a "Star Wars Marathon". We are watching all 6 Star Wars movies in chronological order. The boys are having a blast eating popcorn and pop in front of the TV. We actually have had some very introspective conversations about politics and pride and the spirit (force) from these movies.  You can learn a lot from Star Wars. All around a Win-Win!