As a mom I know the importance of teaching your children to work. I also see the benefits of having little slaves, I mean helpers to assist in the housework. The problem is I have struggled in finding a way to get everyone to help without complaining about it. A few weeks ago we came up with this solution and so far it has worked pretty well.Each of the 3 older children are assigned a zone or area of the house to clean. They have their zone for one week and then we rotate. In addition to this they have their rooms to clean, beds to make and clothes to fold and put away.
Zone 1 is the kitchen - this includes sweeping the floor, clearing the table, wiping the table, helping with dishes.
Zone 2 is the living room/hallway/stairs and Megan's room (Megan helps with this one every week) - this includes tidying up the living room and making sure the hallway and stairs are clear, dusting, and vacuuming.
Zone 3 is the family room/hallway and kids bathroom - This includes tidying up the family room and hallway, dusting, wiping down the counters in the bathroom and vacuuming.
As the kids get older I will throw in more jobs like actually using cleasner to clean the sink in the bathroom and cleaning the toliet. I think they are still a little young for that. When Megan is older we will have to find another zone.
I really like this because each of the kids rotate so they don't feel like they ALWAYS have to clean one area of the house. I explained when we started that the kitchen was going to be the biggest job most of the time, but everyone would have a chance to do it. I also explained that sometimes you might be cleaning up a mess that you didn't make, but your brother or sister might be cleaning up a mess that you made.
I still have plenty to do around the house, but I don't feel quite so overwhelmed. I love that the kids are taking more responsibility for keeping the house clean. I feel that they are even trying harder to not mess it up because they realize that THEY are the ones that will have to clean it up.
This works for me! For more WFMW tips visit Shannon at Rocks in my dryer.
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4 people have something to say:
My children have regular chores as well. They are also required to pitch in on other things as needed. Hubby and I stress that they don't just get credit for a job correctly done. We put lots of weight on attitude. We believe that we should serve each other with a joyful attitude. We've instilled in them from the beginning the notion that we all must work together to make our home a happy place to be.
Chilren's Chores - Works for me too! :0)
Hee hee hee, little slaves ;). Our tip is up and we're also hosting the Carnival of the Vanities this week if you haven't visited it already ;).
I actually really like this idea. I may implement it. Our summer chores were working fabulously, but we don't have the same chunk of time we did before, so on to something new!
chrissy, so true, attitude really makes a difference doesn't it. What a great help that will be in life! BTW, nice to "see" you again. Do you have a blog?
mama duck, thanks for visiting and for the helpful information on cleaning kids shoes. Very handy!
kristine,glad you liked the idea. I am not sure how well we will do once school starts next week. I imagine we will have to do a little tweaking, but I will not give up! ;)
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