Summer is officially here and we are making a lot more messes at home! Clothes, toys and projects constantly strewn about the house. Indoors and out. Per my previous post, you know I don't want to be the family maid. I also want my children to grow into adults who can take responsibility for their things, their home and their lives without complaint or surprise. So, the annual summer chore list has been made.
The Summer Chore List
The summer chore list is different from the school year chore list in that it is EXPANDED. The same school year expectations exist - simply because we live here. Both children (at post time, 6 1/2 and 8 1/2) have to make their bed and take turns feeding the guinea pigs each day. Picking up after themselves is also a given.
Children of any age above two can do these things - even if you have to modify them. A two year old can easily be taught to put his pajamas in the drawer and his blankets and/or loveys in his bed. By three a child can be pulling up the covers (with your help). Even the youngest child can put their toys away before getting out a new one. If you have children in preschool or beyond and you are still cannot get them to put away their toys you are being steamrolled. Every child in preschool or kindergarten is required to return their toys and art supplies to the asigned spots EACH DAY. Ask any teacher. Do make sure your children know where the toys and art supplies go, however. You can't just have the generic "pick up your toys" if they do not know where to put them when they do so (But that is a whole other blog...).
Both children also had school year chores that had to be done weekly and my oldest had homework and piano to practice each day. For the summer, the kids get to help choose new chores. Having them choose from a parent-dervived list dramatically increases the odds of the chores being done without protest. As does having the final list posted in plain view.
In our house, I try to limit the chores to one a day, and a specific chore that day. I also try to make them be things that are ACTUALLY HELPFUL to me.
For example:
-Collecting and emptying the trash cans around the house into the bigger kitchen can. (smaller child job - my 6 year old has this one.)
-Bringing the kitchen trash out, as needed. (bigger child job - my 8 year old chose this job.)
-Dusting one room (of mom's choosing)
-Using a clorox wipe to clean the bathroom surfaces.
-Bringing the empty recycling bins and/or trash can back up to the house on trash day.
-Setting the table for the evening meal.
-Emptying (or helping empty) the dishwasher, as needed.
-Folding and putting away a particular part of the laundry (in the past we have had our children rotate through underware, sock matching & folding and towels).
-Gathering & returning rugs so I can shake them out.
Use your imagination. Just make sure it is helpful!
We haven't yet made it to any financial allowances in our household. We are holding off as long as possible - especially since no one is asking! Right now, chores are something you do because you live here, and if mom and dad have to do it all, there will be no time for anything fun! So far this is still working... I'm sure we'll get to a need for allowances at some point, but I'm not sure it should be a reward for chores. Perhaps some other system. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. I'm also open to hearing other chore ideas - what do your children do to help out in the summer months?
