Kids and Chores

With all this spending time inside lately, things have become quite messy.  The good news is, bored kids are totally primed for learning a thing or two about housekeeping.  Yes they are that desperate for something to do!


I used to just do all the cleaning myself.  It wasn't a big deal when I had 3 children.  When I had four, though, I began to notice that I could use some help.  Now, with 5, I know I need help - and that my children need to be the ones helping me.


I've been using myjobchart.com to keep track of their chore lists, but I realized before I assign any new jobs, my kids need to be trained in how to do them.  That means quite a bit of hovering from me, something I am not so great at.  Instead of presenting all the children with all the new jobs at once which would certainly overwhelm all of us, I am taking it slowly - one chore and child at a time.


Yesterday I walked Ben through all the steps of sweeping the dining room floor after meals.  At 8 years old, he should already know this stuff and is certainly old enough to take that responsibility from me.  Today I introduced Dinah to the vacuum cleaner, and walked her through the steps of vacuuming the living room carpet and couch.   Fiona washed windows and Jonah ran around spraying everything and everyone with a (water-filled) spray bottle.


Children love working on projects, but most especially when they are working with an adult.  Turn on some music and it turns into quite the party! 


For ideas on jobs for kids of various ages, check out this great link.  I found it to be most helpful!


Happy Cleaning!