About Those Bloody Chores!

Marty and I have tried to teach our kids personal responsibility.  From the age of about 3, we expect the kids to clear their own dishes from the table.  Our 4 year olds empty the utensils from the dishwasher; it's a great sorting activity for pre-schoolers (we use a stool so they can easily see into the utensil drawer and we empty any sharp knives).  At 5 years old, they can clean the front of the dishwasher, oven and refrigerator; spray windex and give them a couple of paper towels and they go to it.

Our kids have always been expected to do certain things like pick up after themselves, help set table, pitch in with yard work, help with grocery shopping and putting groceries away, and changing linens/make beds (I have to admit that I don't expect their beds to be made every morning, just what I call "straightened" and we make beds when company is coming).  As the kids grew up, we "assigned" certain chores.  The younger kids were expected to unload the dishwasher, clean bathroom sinks and toilets, and vaccum.  The older kids (usually starting freshman year) are responsible for taking the trash out which used to be twice a week, but is now only once a week.  As a junior or senior, I taught them how to do the laundry.  We used to do all these chores on Saturday mornings and the house would get cleaned up in no time.

This system worked until about the time Leo (our second oldest) went away to college.  Also, with me working Saturday mornings, it's just not happening.  We've been limping along with a system that no longer works.  Now, it's time to develop a new system.  The plan is to have a weekly schedule so things get done weekly, but not all on one day.  I figure that if five people take 10-20 minutes a day to do chores, that makes a big difference in the cleanliness of the house.  So, I made a color-coded chart that shows who does what on each day.  I'm excited!  I hope it will help us stay on top of the mess.  It sure can't hurt!!  Here's a picture of the rudimentary chart.  I hope you can read it; I'm new at this:)  Marty is at the top, in blue; followed by me in pink; Sam is orange; Jane is green and Ruth is purple.

The girls and I have the most chores, so it seems a little sexist.  However, when the boys were younger, they did the same chores the girls are now doing.  As they get older, they learn more about contributing to the household.  Sam is in his senior year with no less than 8 college credits to pass this year and working 15 hours a week at the grocery store.  He also buys and shares groceries and pays for gas.  My college age boys are also generous and contribute in ways that make me proud.  They do their own laundry and pitch in wherever they see a need and that is so gratifying to see.  As for my husband, well, his "Honey, do" list is never-ending!  In the end, it's about teaching that everyone pitches in whatever they have to offer.  Many hands make light work, right?  Right!