Oh, I forgot to say that we incorporate chores as well. We don't do it exactly like most people I've heard about, where each person is assigned a particular chore. But, we are all expected to do our share. The kids know they have to sort and put their clothes in the laundry baskets (we have only three, in our closet: one for darks, one for lights, one for reds/yellows/purples, etc.). They know that they have to take their dishes into the sink. But everything else they do just because I ask at the time. If I'm unloading the dishwasher, I ask one of them to put away the silverware. If I'm doing laundry I'll ask one of them to help. If it's 5:00 and the dog is begging for his dinner, I'll ask the nearest kid to feed him. So, what we consider a "good" environment at home includes everyone doing their share according to their abilities.
Jeesh, I write a lot!
