New Jobs
Not for daddy and mommy, but for Thomas and Gracie.
Gracie, age 8 (days away from 9) has valiantly (and dramatically) endured her household chores for the nine months.
Yes, I said the past nine months.
Yup, I am the mama who only required her first child to keep her room clean until I realized what a bad idea it was to do it all myself.
Well, actually, I realized that I was in fact punishing my kids by not giving them any responsibility.
Ever heard the quote:
When I came across these words, I realized that my Type A personality was going to have to sit by the wayside or my children would not know how to function outside of this home.
So, I came up with a plan of chores for Gracie.
Almost a year later she is still complaining that Thomas never has to do anything, and she still doesn't get all of her chores done that I have laid out.
So, frustration led to bad moods, and bad moods led to a battle of wills, and the battle of wills led to mommy finding a different solution.
Why on earth does is take me so long to just realize that things need to change to get better? Well, maybe because I am as stubborn as my father--and if you knew him--you would understand.
Anyway, we have a NEW system, and now Thomas (age 4 now!) has chores to do as well.
In addition to keeping her room and bathroom clean, Gracie has to make her bed before school, lay her clothes out for the next day, vacuum twice a week and continue to unload the dishwasher. There are some other small daily tasks as well.
I added a few chores, and moved a few to Thomas' plate, and I added incentives.
As for Thomas, he will make his bed, clean his room, set the dinner table, wipe the bathroom counter, and wipe the kitchen table after dinner. He also gets to get the mail.
Thomas is thrilled to he has chores now. Not sure how long that will last, but I will take it.
Here's hoping that the new chore charts will work their magic and life around here will be a lot cleaner and with less hassle, tantrums, and stomping. A mom can't hope can't she?! ;)
Gracie, age 8 (days away from 9) has valiantly (and dramatically) endured her household chores for the nine months.
Yes, I said the past nine months.
Yup, I am the mama who only required her first child to keep her room clean until I realized what a bad idea it was to do it all myself.
Well, actually, I realized that I was in fact punishing my kids by not giving them any responsibility.
Ever heard the quote:
When I came across these words, I realized that my Type A personality was going to have to sit by the wayside or my children would not know how to function outside of this home.
So, I came up with a plan of chores for Gracie.
Almost a year later she is still complaining that Thomas never has to do anything, and she still doesn't get all of her chores done that I have laid out.
So, frustration led to bad moods, and bad moods led to a battle of wills, and the battle of wills led to mommy finding a different solution.
Why on earth does is take me so long to just realize that things need to change to get better? Well, maybe because I am as stubborn as my father--and if you knew him--you would understand.
Anyway, we have a NEW system, and now Thomas (age 4 now!) has chores to do as well.
In addition to keeping her room and bathroom clean, Gracie has to make her bed before school, lay her clothes out for the next day, vacuum twice a week and continue to unload the dishwasher. There are some other small daily tasks as well.
I added a few chores, and moved a few to Thomas' plate, and I added incentives.
As for Thomas, he will make his bed, clean his room, set the dinner table, wipe the bathroom counter, and wipe the kitchen table after dinner. He also gets to get the mail.
Thomas is thrilled to he has chores now. Not sure how long that will last, but I will take it.
Here's hoping that the new chore charts will work their magic and life around here will be a lot cleaner and with less hassle, tantrums, and stomping. A mom can't hope can't she?! ;)
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