With all of the “at home” time we have had this last week, it forced me to get the kids restarted on chores. Like most of the stuff I do, I have a very relaxed agenda when it comes to chores. Do what I tell you to do when I tell you. For the most part, my girls oblige me, but I want to get in the habit of listing some items for them to take care of each. Then maybe on Saturday, we all chip in and get a lot done. (Wishful thinking)
I found this great idea for chores. We seem to always have extra wood around, so after showing the idea to Ethan, he decided to help out by cutting wood in the garage in the 20 degree weather. Ok, maybe I encouraged him a bit. Either way, an hour later, I had 5 nicely cut and sanded pieces of wood to use. I simply Mod Podged scrapbook paper and vinyl letters to finish it. I love the way it came out. Alyssa likes to see what her chore/s are for the day and then seems to rearrange them to her liking. Audrey is stuck on “Pick up toys” because she hasn’t mastered that one well. I have already noticed that I need more sticks and duplicates so that both girls can pick up or fold clothes. I am in the beta testing of this idea still. Does anyone have a good way that they get the kids to help out?
Your relaxed agenda sounds about like mine. Some of the moms at ballet were talking about how to get their kids to help out with stuff around the house…specifically, which rewards work and which rewards don’t work. I said the “reward” at my house is that if you do as you’re told, you don’t get a spanking. And what child wouldn’t love that reward? Is that the kind of thing you shouldn’t say in public? But I think you and I are on the same page: how can I get my kids to help out without constantly having to remind/nag/beg/threaten them? I haven’t got a clue. Aren’t you glad I commented?