Kids and chores I believe have to go together. Because kids need structure in their lives. Need to know what their role is in the family. Where they fit in. Cause they don’t just live in the house.
They need to contribute one way or another. Depending on their ages of course, if you have more than one child. It always will vary, depending on each person’s age and how big your household actually is.
I know we all own a bed, and have our own spaces-like a bedroom. We eat food, and use dishes. We use hydro for our lights and devices, tv’s even. I had to chat with my kids about this, cause they thought they just lived there and mom cleaned the house. So I changed it then to make them realize they use things in the house and they needed to help me with the house.
So when you think about it, a lot goes into planning how each person will contribute. I still struggle with this, but I do make them clean their rooms by dusting and vacuuming and tidying up also. That is something that gets missed, they need that in their area. Just so they know what they physically own and is their belongings. To be grateful for what they own and to take care of it all. Even respect for all things in our house, even if they don’t clean it all.
How Were You Raised When Growing Up?
Start to think about it right now! Did you have siblings? Or were you an only child, I was an only child. I was to keep my room clean and that is all I needed to do. Being the only child I didn’t have to worry about to much, my mom was happy with doing all the other things.
But I also grew up around other family members during summer and holidays. So I ended up having to do chores as everyone else did.
- doing dishes
- cooking food and serving it
- cleaning livingroom
- cleaning my room and vacuuming
- wash laundry
- fold laundry and put into baskets
- bring groceries in from the vehicle
Now That I Have Kids Of My Own
Things have changed, I have more than one child. Currently, I have 2 younger ones. One teen and one ten year old. I do have other children but they are grown ups and on their own. I have come to realize that kids need a routine, a daily thing they do each and every day. Each child is different of course and has their own habits. I found that a routine keeps them knowing what to expect and keeps them on task.
When they go to school, each one has their own thing they do. Each has an individual personality. One kid can get her shoes on while another may not find her shoes. Cause she throws them everywhere. One hangs their jacket and another brings it to their room. Or another shoves it in their backpack.
Along with their own routine, I do have them do some chores. So they can learn how to do some things in the house. As long as they do their best. And make an effort.
So the little ones I have at home, have some chores to do. They mainly are around their own room.
- clean room
- tidy floor and vacuum
- laundry brought to the laundry room
- clear any dishes in the room
- make their bed
- take out garbage
- dust tv and anything else
If they have something that is for school, they do that after they do their room.
YOU WOULD THINK THIS LIST IS PRETTY EASY!!!
BUT TO THEM- NO! THEY DON’T GET IT! BECAUSE THEY QUESTION ITEMS ON HERE OR THEY SAY THEY DID IT.
Under 5 minutes to do this whole list. Yet, I ask them to do it all in about half an hour. If they are done, they do extra. But they say they don’t have extra to do.
Hmmm??? I look around. It is not done!!
- laundry is on the floor
- garbage on the floor and in garbage can
- never made the bed
- never heard the vacuum-so they didn’t do.
- dishes still in their room, or one of them didn’t put them away
Don’t Do Chores!!!
YOU HAVE CONSEQUENCES!!!
My kids never thought they would get caught on their chores. Basically I would let it slide, if they didn’t do them.
Or even since I was busy working, I wouldn’t take the time to check. As I am currently doing my at home business. Which is where I am learning to keep doing household duties and work duties together.
My kids thought I would be too busy to take a look and see what they have done. Sure in the beginning I was just taking their word for it. Not now.
Punishment For Not Doing Their Chores!!!
Yes!!! They did have a punishment. Cause before I let it slide. We changed everything. To where I would check more, because their word was not good any more. Cause they never really did anything on their list of chores. Why did I think Kids and Chores go in the same sentence?
Punishment, just recently, was losing access to their devices!! Yes, you heard me right!!! No more iPads or computers or cell phones (the teen has the phone). They lost them all for a WEEK!!!
- a day wasn’t good for them, never learned anything!! So made it a week.
- watching TV only between 6-8pm each night.
They could watch tv with me if they want. But they never like watching what I am watching.
During this time, I get them to still do their chores, all of it. Each and every day, even if they did it the day before. They complain of course, but really?? What else are they doing?? Nothing!!!
Kids and chores I realize need to be kept an eye on. You have to get on your kids to do the chores. If they want to have what they want. Because a device is a privilege not a necessity!!! If they don’t have devices, but you still want chores done. Then you may look at what other things they love, that they are trying to get. Or even if they want to go to a friend’s house, chores need to be done first.
Every family is different, but kids need to chip in some way or another. No matter what it is. They need to feel valued and loved and respected. They are a part of the household also. Helps to make them the adult you want and need them to be.
So they can move out on there own and know how to care for their house as you have with yours. Knowing that they can do it on their own, without help. Benefits them in the long run and I know I am still teaching that to my kids now. Cause in their mind they are never moving out. But little do they know that they will at some time after they are all done with school. Get a job and move out on their own.
IF THIS DOESN’T WORK!!! I WILL BE LOOKING TO ADD MORE CHORES.
Cause apparently, they are not getting it. These last 2 children of mine, just are not as easy as my other children were. They knew what they had to do and did it. Of course, not when they were 6 years old. But as they got older, they knew.
Then, they didn’t have electronic devices, they did have cable tv and game systems. So they needed to earn their time on those. Also time to go and play outside too. Also, they would not get any new toys if their chores were not done.
Times sure have changed. So us moms need to change with the times also. So what worked for your older children, may not work for the ones you have now. Or even if you are caring for grand children, that is even more different. Now there are alot of women that are doing that for their children, cause it is cheaper than daycare.