Visual Nagging: Subliminal teaching moments

Mothers of 6 invent ways to drive important lessons into our little Punk-a-noodle's heads without uttering a word. It's our talent... we major in it. You see, one becomes obsessed with finding a better way than telling our 6 kids to brush their teeth 3 times each- that's 24 times I've said, "Brush your teeth," in one evening.

Nope, such repetition will drive mothers to the pantry to rummage for a chocolate chip fix thus adding to the weight problem... which might I add is now up to a whopping 40 lbs more after my 13 years of motherhood. Total admission: I need a new way to cope:)

In our house I've made a point to
let the kids know what's important to me without saying a word.

I don't have vinyl letters all over my house but a few well thought phrases are an excellent way to tell your children what you think and where your heart is.

In short, let your home teach your children through the art, music, and words you display in well planned areas.
A few ways to send your children subliminal messages that they'll remember:

1. Display quotes on the wall opposite the toilet in main bathroom areas. Don't be afraid to change them every once in awhile. Bathroom time has great learning possibilities because children are alone and are looking for something to read (or think about) while business is getting done.

2. Post scripture quotes or famous quotes on the inside of kitchen cupboards.
3. Use vinyl letters to remind kids to wash their hands or brush their teeth and place them on the bathroom mirror.

4. Display family pictures in main traffic areas.
5. Display uplifting artwork in your home. Pictures of important places or people say much about who you are and what you believe in.

6. Post a family motto in a place that your children see every day. I'm trying to get the Boy Scout Oath somewhere... it just about covers everything.
7. Consider what images your children are viewing. Do they have uplifting pictures in their rooms. Do the posters that hang in their room or your garage reflect who and what you believe in? What changes could you make?
8. Consider quotes that focus on these ideas: Work ethic, Values, Faith, Prayer, Family Unity, Forgiveness, Service, Love, How to treat others, Expressions of love, good humor, family rules.
9. Don't be afraid to change things. Consider using a standard frame and changing an image of Christ every week or month to teach a different lesson to your children
10. Smile and enjoy that someday they will tell their kids or friends about the quotes that adorned their halls. They will remember and you will have done it without ever saying a word!

How do you teach your children without saying a word?