I began slowly by having the kids work around the house with me. I would have them pick up all the things off the floor and we would collect them and put them away. Then we moved on to bigger and bigger tasks. I now have specific chores for the older kids, and a specific time each day when they are supposed to do those chores. These Chores include:
- Making their beds.
- Picking up their floor. Toys put away, and clothes pick up.
- If necessary they are to bring me their laundry basket.
- Two of the kids have pets that they are responsible for.
- Picking up the toys, and clutter from the Living room
- Picking up the shoes around our front door.
I have been noticing a trend lately that is not a trend I want to see happening. The chores are not really getting done even though the kids appear to be working. After breakfast we all head off and do our chores. I am busy cleaning up in the kitchen and tending to the younger two, and the older kids are off doing their regular chores. On the rare day that I go and check on their chores I am noticing that the work isn't really getting done. There are a few reasons behind that aside from just kids not wanting to do their chores.
- My son has a small room and cleaning is a challenge with all of his toys.
- My girls have gotten better, but they have a big problem with craft clutter. Little strips of paper, pieces of strings, and other craft left overs tend to make their way all over the house.
- I do not work with them regularly teaching them how to do these chores.
I have a weakness that I really don't want to admit. I want to tell my kids what to do and have them do it, without me actually taking the time and working with them and teaching them how to do what I am asking them to do.
I need to be more hands on in the teaching department. I am looking at several different chore charts that may be of benefit, but I really think I need to be more hands on and taking the time to teach my kids what needs to be done, and how to best do those things.
Do your kids do chores? Why or why not? Do you find it difficult to take the necessary time to train your children in this area? I personally find out more about my selfishness when these little problems come up. I want to work on this in the coming year and really focus my attention to training my kids. Not just in the area of cleaning but in all areas of their lives.
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