Husband and wife need to be on the same page regarding child rearing issues. I don't thank God enough that my wife only argues with me behind closed doors, and once a decision is made, we present a united front. I also don't thank God enough that my wife's parents raised her with a specific Christian belief regarding "marital duties" so that the sexual relationship is not an issue for negotiating other matters in the marriage. I can find the chapter and verse if anyone is interested.
Regarding keeping the children out of trouble, I ask my wife at the beginning of each summer to come up with scheduled work/school/self-improvement type activities for the morning hours to help train a good work ethic and keep the children moderately productive during the summer months. They are also eager to do various jobs from shining my shoes to mowing the grass to different projects they help me on. If it's a project they like less, they negotiate the price up and I'll pay it if I really need the help. We let them have the afternoons for recreational activities.
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