"Ted Hut" -- Motivating the Family to be Christian Soldiers

Posted by Helper Suitable's Husband:

About a year ago, I decided to take advantage of my oldest son's enthusiasm for "soldiers" and channel that towards being a "Christian soldier". It's amazing the difference this has made in our family.

Once a day, I call the family to "attention" (the boys call it "Ted Hut"). I do inspections before school to see if their hair/teeth are brushed well. I give out assignments/rewards as appropriate. When I give an order, I expect to hear the "Sir, Yes Sir"s, and for a bit of fun, every once and awhile I'll tell them, "I can't hear you!". They then yell out in response, "SIR, YES SIR!". I try to sound as gruff and "soldier-like" as possible, and the boys eat it up.

I've decided to include my notes from our very first "Ted Hut". Parts of this are as much for the wife as the kids, as I think it's important that the children see entire family operating according to the chain of command. If I give her a command during the "Ted Hut", she gives a "Sir, yes Sir"! herself (or something equivalent), and the kids are expected to respond to her orders with a "Maam, yes, Maam"!

I make it clear during several points that God is above me in the chain, and that I need to "Sir, yes Sir"! Him when he gives me an "order" (through his Word).

Failure to follow orders, or pay attention can result in pushups. For some reason, little boys seem think the pushups are fun. For more major offenses, I discipline appropriately, of course.

This little exercise has worked wonders for our family.

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TED HUT!!!!!

We need to turn this unit around soldiers. I look around and see we've become:

(ask the kids to define each of these)

Disrespectful
Insubordinate
Slothful (lazy)
Gluttonous
Disorganized
Unhealthy
Unprepared for spiritual warfare
Liars
Lustful
Whiners

We are at WAR! Who is our enemy?

Prompt the kids to answer... Satan should be listed as one.

Satan wants to fight us as individuals, not a unit

• Targets the weak link
  
• Tries to convince you that your chain of command is corrupt
  
• Tries to turn us against each other
  
• Doesn't just want you, but wants you to take us with you
  
• For these reason, all chinks in the armor must be hammered out
  
• We have an obligation to protect each other.
  
• If we care, we will discipline. To allow rebellion is to turn the person over to the Devil.
  
• The Devil is not our only enemy, the world itself is our enemy.
  
• Our only "wordly" protection is the family and the church.
  

Respect/Honor/Obey

• We are in a war
  
• We are Christian soldiers
  
• God is Commander in Chief
  
• The Father is the General
  
• The Mother is the captain
  
• Aiden/Owen are Privates
  
• Bible is law
  
• God is the only Judge
  
• Generals are held responsible for the problems within their unit
  
• Because I am held responsible, I must monitor the family closely and will not tolerate/excuse sin
  
• If I allow poor habits/sin to continue, I put you at risk on the battle field.
  
• Commands are done without question, unless a higher authority (God's word) overrides.
  
• Consultations can be held with "Request to Speak" (in private).
  
• Failure to obey immediately results in discipline
  
• To allow misbehavior once encourages it to appear a second time
  
• Discipline becomes more severe if repeat offender
  
• God's rules first, Daddy's second, Mommy's third
  
• Clean heart and mind. Confess sins to each other, expect the best of others at all times.
  
• Go above and beyond the minimum in all things. If you are asked to go a mile, add a half.
  
• You are required to address those in authority over you in an appropriate manner
  
• Whining, arguing, nagging, or failure to comply with an order is rebellion
  
• Rebellion cannot be tolerated in a war because rebellion breaks us from a unit to individuals
  
• Individuals can be picked off easier than a unit
  
• You are going to do what your authorities command, so find a means to be happy doing it
  

The Written Law

• Always has a divine purpose
  
• Is always correct
  
• Should be upheld at all times
  
• Refusing to follow the law when you know and understand it is like shaking your fist at God
  

Duties

• Everyone has duties to perform, whether at home, at work, at school
  
• Duties can only be missed due to sickness or by permission from your authorities
  
• Some duties will be fun, others a chore, but all should be done with a cheerful heart
  
• Every duty is important, and if anything is undone, it represents a chink in our armor
  
• Some duties are designed to protect/aid your fellow soldier or commander
  
• Sometimes it *is* your job to protect your comrade from sin
  
• A Christian soldier can witness in his actions, perhaps more strongly than in his words
  

The Heart

• Should be kept pure
  
• Should assume the best of people (even sinners) at all times
  
• Should work cheerfully
  
• You are going to do what your authorities command, so find a means to be happy
  
• Work should be done with Joy whenever possible, but always done in love
  
• Avoid contact with temptation
  

The Body:

1. Cleanliness: 1st thing in morning (morning inspection), last thing at night


• A professional looking soldier gets more respect/fear
  
• A professional looking soldier shows he takes his job seriously
  
• Shaved, shower, teeth
  
• Unwrinkled clothes, dress according to role (gender specific).
  
  
2. Health


• The body is God's temple
  
• No artificial sweeteners in drinks
  
• No eating out unless there is *no* alternative
  
• Poor eating habits slow the body and dull the mind
  
• Mother will design healthy/balanced meals
  
• Daily exercise is required, and body weight/overall health closely monitored
  

The Home:

1. Orderliness
   
   
   
   • A strict schedule must be maintained
     
   • The house should be clean
     
   • Dishes washed as soon as meal is over
     
   • Beds made: 2nd thing in morning (after personal cleanliness)
     
   
   
2. Team Building
   
   
   
   • No TV, or web browsing for entertainment without permission
     
   • All 3 meals together
     
   • Family Study Time
     
   • Family Play time
     
   • Positive attitude
     
   
   

Training for War:

• complete self-discipline
  
• complete trust in the chain of command
  
• learn to use our weapons (scripture, church, prayer)
  
• Use your chain of command
  
• stick together
  
• nobody gets left behind
  

Discipline

• Immediate
  
• Fair
  
• Consistent
  
• Should be harsh enough to help correct the bad behavior and dissuade from it happening again
  
• If you sin against another, you must confess and ask forgiveness
  
• Discipline should get more harsh if the same behavior is repeated continuously
  
• Those who receive the discipline should learn to thank the authority for the correction.