Family Chores

I work best under pressure. Personally, I hate this about myself, but it is what it is. So the concept of setting a timer and rushing to get things done works well for me.

I recently read about the idea of doing this for family chores. One pastor I know sets the kitchen timer from 9-10:30 every Saturday morning. All hands on deck, working quickly to get as much done as possible during that time. The kids know that if they have a sleepover, they need to be home at 9am to do chores...it's a weekly family commitment.

So I tried this on Sunday. Normally, Sunday is our no-work, all-play family day, but since Mike golfed all day Saturday, the house was a wreck, I was behind, and there were lots of little things that needed to be done. I didn't want to spend all day working on the to-do list, so I set the timer for an hour.

I wrote a list of things I wanted to get done on our dry erase board on the refrigerator. The list was long. About 20 items, things like emptying the dishwasher, putting away laundry and trimming the bushes in the backyard.

I was met with a bit of resistance, but once the momentum started, everyone was motivated. The kids were amazing. Seriously, beyond my wildest expectations. Ryan would hurry to get his task done, race back to the fridge to watch me cross it off the list, then eagerly ask, "What next???" His excitement got Kaylin excited, which motivated me even more.

With 31 minutes left on the clock, all of the items I'd listed for the kids to do were done. I sent them outside to help Mike by putting the yard trimmings into the trash. Once that was done, I let them relax in front of the t.v. while Mike and I finished up.

I know not everyone has their kids help with chores, but it never fails to surprise me how much they love to help. Especially at this age: they want to be a part of something bigger than themselves and crave the positive reinforcement they receive after each completed job.

Give it a try! Set the timer and start crossing things off the list together. As a family.

If you need ideas, here is a list of things I've taught my kids to do...

Both kids know how to:
- pick up the playroom
- pick up their bedrooms
- bring their dirty clothes to the laundry room
- put away their clean laundry
- vacuum up the crumbs under the kitchen table with the Shark cordless sweeper
- clean the sliding glass door with homemade glass cleaner (vinegar and water - no chemicals)
- pour their own cereal (Ryan is in charge of the milk)
- help me cook dinner
- set the table
- clear the table
- empty the dishwasher (Kaylin does the silverware while Ryan does everything else, putting things that belong in higher cabinets onto a clean towel on the counter - I put those away)
- dust (they still need some supervision on this one)

Ryan (at almost six years old) can:
- take out the recycle bin
- empty the trash and replace the bag
- take sheets off his bed
- wipe off the kitchen table with a sponge after meals
- pack his own lunch (including making his sandwich)

Kaylin (at three and a half) can:
- fold clean washcloths and dish towels
- use a Swiffer on the kitchen tile
- make her own PB&J sandwich
- feed the baby, with supervision (this is her new favorite task)

For their birthdays this summer, I've been thinking about the one extra responsibility I'm going to give each kid to accompany their new privilege. (I talked about that in my birthday traditions post) I think I've decided to teach Ryan how to clean the counter and mirror in his bathroom. The kids' bathroom counter is disgusting and I think it's mostly because they don't know how long it takes to scrape dried toothpaste out of nooks and crannies. I'm hoping that by teaching Ryan how to clean it, he'll be a little less messy in between cleanings. (This could be wishful thinking...I'll let you know!)

I haven't quite decided what Kaylin's new responsibility will be when she turns four, but I'm thinking it might be the dusting. (what she can reach, that is)

Does it sound like I'm raising my own Merry Maids crew? I guess I'm recently a believer in getting the kids involved. I know that there's a very small window where kids actually want to help and I want to set the expectation now instead of springing this on them when they're 10 years old and unwilling. They're much more capable at this age than I've given them credit for!

What kinds of chores do you have your kids do?