You know, my oldest son is responsible, or irresponsible, depending on who you ask, for all of the trash in the house. He is supposed to take out the bathroom and kitchen trash, when it needs taking and he is also supposed to empty the recycling, when it needs emptying. He is not great at it, but if I have a really big stick in my hand, ok, so maybe not a really big stick, but maybe a smaller stick...no stick, but you get the point, he takes care of his responsibilities enough to avoid certain death! He is also supposed to take care of the dog. She is to be brushed daily, so her hair is not all over my house. This just means I have to sweep more than once a day, if I don't want her hair all over the house, because as you have already guessed, the boy is not a great dog brusher either! He is 12. I don't expect him to really care about much, but I expect him to want to avoid being in trouble just enough to take care of business, when I am about to blow! Yep, that's what I expect! And, he is supposed to feed and water her, which is why she looks like a doggy tv star! Her girlish figure is not a chosen physique! He decides when she should be fed and watered! Again, this just means mom has to pick up the slack after he leaves for school and then mom also has to freak out when he gets home from school, because he didn't do what he said he had done! *cue the smoke billowing out of my ears!*
Anyway, I was sort of getting to the point...
I decided that the other kids need jobs. I am SO TIRED of my family watching my wheels spin, until all the cogs get mangled, that I thought a long weekend would be best spent with 6, 7 and 10 year old kids helping with laundry. I had Ponch and Bake putting the laundry in the washer and dryer, respectively and then Bucko had to help my fold it. It went pretty well, other than me having to hop up and chase Ponch down several thousand times, for yelling and screaming at me, when I asked/told her to get the laundry out of the dryer, but that is to be expected, since that is the relationship standard that she and I live by! (I can't stand it, but she is so trying and I am not going to give an inch, so it is what it is!) Bucko said he liked helping me fold the clothes and Bake asked if laundry could be one of his regular jobs. I think I could get used to this!
How was your weekend?
I hope it was great! I hope Thanksgiving was a nice time for family, food and fun!
Have a great day!
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- Momma B
- I am 30 some years old. I have 1 step, 4 bio, and 2 adopted kids, so I am no stranger to chaos! They range in age from 18 months to 16 years, so it is always interesting! I have been staying at home for 2 years, because I could not afford gas and day care both! Recession, who says there is a recession? The American people have it great, right? Anyway, my husband supported the idea of me being home, so that is just the way it is for now. Sadly, right after I quit last year my mom got sick again and we lost her in Sept., so my being home was really helpful to her and me if I really stop to think about it! I guess that is enough of my crazed babbling for this section!
6 comments:
I wondered what was going on when I walked in on Addy doing laundry. lol I figure it is about time for them all to have chores, too. What if you guys did a chart? I know it is obnoxious, but if everyone got everything done on the chart, you could go out for pizza or bowling once a month or something. Just wondering. lol I'm pretty sure I'm going to instate a chart on my own fridge. We are grown adults, and neither one of us wants to take responsibility for any messes...doesn't work out so well. lol
Yes of course kids need chores. It actually makes them feel part of the family. Our kids do loads of chores and it does make the house run more smoothly. You do have to nag a bit, well actually a lot, but it is worth it. It is teaching them life skills. My older kids actually appreciate the skills they have learnt (even though they did not appreciate it at the time). BTW Roo who is 7 does all the rubbish and recycling in our house!!!
How about this? You sit down for a family meeting (establish rules) and have everyone write down ideas they have for how to fix the problem. Everyone offers ideas and you vote on a fair plan to get things done with a minimum of unhappiness. I don't know you or your family (I'm just visiting :) but it worked for mine. We ended up with a chore chart, and the kids seemed to really like having a plan and things to check off each day before they got to do the fun stuff. Are you laughing or thinking about my idea???
Just stopped by from a comment you left on Won's blog. I wanted to tell you that my heart is with you during this tough holiday season. Take care...
If they give you grief, just tell them it could be worse. They could be my kids! Mine have had chores since the dawn of time! and I laugh and tell them the reason I had kids was so they could clean my house.
You are just being rotten, now, Marcia! ha! You made me laugh though!
Chores are a constant pain in my backside. With 7 kids, 4 of whom are old enough to do chores, you'd think we'd have it covered. My house has become total chaos since Eliza was born.
Someday, I hope it will get better. :) I am going to try charts when I get them done.
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