Tuesday, March 13, 2007

Chore Time

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For a few years, our children have had morning chores. These have remained pretty consistent and are done without fail each morning.

I don't know why it has taken me this long to think of it, and the rest of you are probably already doing this, but I have just added "after lunch chores" and "after dinner chores" to the daily chore schedule. Each child knows what to do and when to do it. There is no need to remind anyone what time it is or who is on what rotation. They just know that when they get up from the table, they are to immediately start on their chores. It happens every day like clock work, and has made my life much easier.

Here is a list the chores we have right now:

Morning Chores
  • Start a load of laundry (12 y.o)

  • Empty dishwasher (10 y.o.)

  • Fold laundry (7 y.o.)

  • Put away silverware (5 y.o.)

  • Empty bathroom trash (2 y.o)

After Lunch Chores

  • Sweep kitchen and school room (12)

  • Vacuum front room and den (10)

  • Load dishwasher (7)

  • Clear the table (5)

After Dinner Chores

  • Load dishwasher (12)

  • 27 Pick up (10)

  • Clear table (7)

  • Tidy bathroom (5)

As each child matures and is ready to take on more responsibility, I give them a different chore and move a younger one into their previous spot. I do this infrequently (maybe once a year), so there is very little confusion about who does what and what kind of effort is expected in each job.

This really "Works For Me," and I wish I had done it sooner. Check Rocks in my Dryer for more great tips.

9 comments:

Joyful Days said...

I need to get our boys on a regular chore schedule. They are great spur of the moment helpers, but they may like the planned ahead method as opposed to my seat of the pants approach. Great idea!

Jane said...

Every year I ask my students who has chores and what they are. You would be surprised how few have had chores. One year only two of my 1st graders had any chores. Not surprisingly these were top students and their moms were best friends. Chores do a lot for a kid's self esteem. To be needed by your family is a blessing!

Amberly said...

Great idea! I actually had made up a similar list of chores for my three kids, but somehow we have gotten off track. You've inspired me to get back to it! Thanks!

Unknown said...

Our kids have to clean up any toys & their rooms. I need to add to their chore lists.
Any suggestions for my 4 & 2 yr olds?

Anonymous said...

I love your scheduling. Do you get much grief when your children are expected to do their chore? My kids have their duties but getting to do something out of their area is like pulling teeth. My 2 yo is my most enthusiastic helper (but I often have to redo what he's done). I suppose the best philosophy is starting young.

Smockity Frocks said...

Linsey,
Here are some things my kids have done at age 4 and under:

Put away silverware
Wipe table
Empty sm. trash into big trash
Take your plate to sink
Dust

Barb,
There is sometimes whining, but I usually assign additional work when that happens. It's amazingly effective at discouraging complaints!

SimplyAmusingDesigns.com said...

All three of my kids have chores (ages 10, 4, and 2). My 2 yr old helps mom transport laundry from the dryer to bed and she even puts her own clothes in her dresser (bottom drawer). I grew up in a family of 8 kids and we had a lot more responsibility than I've given my kids. Sometimes I wonder if I have them doing enough?

My Trendy Tykes said...

Great tips!!

Linda

The Estrogen Files said...

Tell me, how long did it take them to get into the swing of everything? My kids have a book where they mark off the chores that they do daily and earn dessert at nights, but they aren't following through without a TON of reminders on my part and downright nagging, sometimes.

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