To start figuring the specific assignments in our chore chart, I first fill in any of the kids' outside activities (noted on the chart below in gray text), so I'm not assigning someone to dinner dishes on a night they have youth group meetings or are likely to be at an 'away' meet for sports. --A change in sports seasons usually require a fairly major schedule revamp. Winter is easiest, as none of our family's sports are in season right now.
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| Prince Cuddlebunny scoops food for the dogs |
(I'm sure a lot of you know that 2 kids on a task aren't always faster than 1!)
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| Prince Go-for-It doing his favorite chore. They all look forward to 'mowing age.' |
As they become capable of independent work that requires more care and time, the chores get harder and some feel a little more like drudgery, so they appreciate more variety; not 'getting stuck' with the same chore day after day. I try to spread the heavier chores throughout the week for each person, so I'm not asking for more than an hour or so, total, of their day... if they make good use of their working time, which is up to them.
The juggling comes in when I survey the schedule and make any adjustments necessary to assure two things:
1) The household needs are met by a schedule that provides a fairly consistent level of household cleanliness throughout the week.
and
2) Each child can face their days with a somewhat happy countenance, because the chores they least prefer are thinly interspersed with the lighter or more enjoyable ones...No day looks too daunting, or too tedious.
Dish-doing is a whole subject of its own that I'll leave 'til another day.
You're going to deny it again, but you look so organized! ;) At what age do you start young ones on chores? I was thinking that my own little 5-year old cuddle bunny should start helping out besides the clearing of his meal dishes and picking up his toys. Suggestions?
ReplyDeleteIt partly depends on the kid, of course, and I had better luck starting my older ones at younger ages, I think. They were might right-hand-helpers when younger ones came along. You can see what our CuddleBunny has at age 6. (He clears the table, but still doesn't wash it.) He can also help with the dishwasher, folding towels, and delivering folded clean clothes to the proper rooms. Those are things off the top of my head that seem appropriate for 5. Just try to get him involved in any task you're doing and see what he seems to be able to handle...or notice what he's interested in learning.
ReplyDeleteHe's a big helper, fortunately. He also likes to learn. I'll see what I can come up with and how formalized I make it now. Or....(this is easier on me) I can wait until after the remodel when things are a little calmer and we are settled. We'll all have to establish new routines for common things with the house being so different. We can work something in then. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a good time to start him helping you, but just not get too scheduled or at all formal until you're back home.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to show my prince the pic of GFI on the mower... I've told you before how he loves that job. I think it's the level of responsibility that makes it feel much more like a special privilege.
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