For many years, up until last year in fact, I was the only one doing any chores in this house. At that time we had 5 children and I just could not keep up with the mess of 7 people and be pregnant and sane at the same time. Just wasn’t gonna happen. I had to let go. Why did I do all of the work around here? Control. I know how I like things done and children and husbands just are not going to do it that way no matter how hard you try to get them to. I had to let go and let them learn to do things themselves. All of them. It was not easy but the more I let go and the more they took up the better it got. One of the ways we disperse some of the work is with weekly chores for the oldest three (ages 6,8 and 10). The chores last for one week. Each Sunday it changes and I have it written on the calender so there is no question about who is doing what. One child assists me with laundry. They don’t put away other people’s laundry. They help me hang it on the line, bring it in and sort it. Each person (except the 5 month old and 2 yo) puts away their own laundry. Another child is responsible for keeping the kids’ bathroom clean. No way I am touching it! The last weekly chore is feeding the dogs.
They are also helping to clean up the kitchen after dinner. It is not hard work but it really helps. They clear their own plates, help to clear the table and load the dishwasher. We all work together and it takes no time at all. Much nicer!!
The last thing we do actually came from a WFMW tip. We have a daily chore jar. In it are different chores written on strips of paper. The chores only take 2-3 minutes but they make a huge difference in the house. Some of the chores are wipe off all lightswitches, wipe off doors, wipe off fridge, swiffer dust living room, oil the shrank, sweep the kitchen, pick up 10 toys and put them away, pick up 10 pieces of trash and throw away and such like that. The kids actually pester me to get the chore jar out so they can draw a chore! That is amazing. :) Even our 2 yo picks a chore and I help her do it.
None of the chores they are doing take a lot of time (just a few minutes tops) but it makes a really big difference for all of us. They are learning to take care of their things and how to take care of a house and I don’t have to stay up 2 hours later than everyone else just to get the cleaning done. I don’t remember who had the daily chore jar but you are a genius!!!!!
All for His glory, ~Rhen
