I have always been a mom that asks my children to help clean and cook alongside me...to make their beds and pick up after themselves. Recently I decided to give the kids two types of chores: After Meal Chore & Daily Keep Up Chore.
I wrote down their chores on a sheet of paper, highlighted their name and magnected it on the fridge, to remind me and them! Once they complete their chore, I place a sticker. Helps me to see how often they accomplished their job and I feel it will give them the confidence and satisfaction of a good job. :)
After Meal Chore is basically helping me clean up after breakfast, lunch and dinner.. Chores given are: clear the table, wash the table, wash the chairs, sweep. I help them and start on the dishes. I started this chore because after lunch I like to get everything quickly cleaned up so we can finish our 'lesson time." After starting this chore, I have to say, I love that they dont rush off after their bellies are full..but that we stay together, lovingly serving!
Daily Keep Up Chore are areas where this mamma needs help ;) ..thats basically how I decide chores. Chores in my home that are given are: vacuum the living room, bathroom and kitchen trash taken out and put a new bag in, organize the shoe area (we have alot of shoes that easily pile up), putting the drying dishes away. Everyone is also responsible for making their bed..my oldest son asked if he could make my bed everyday for 10cents..lets just say I got the better deal on that but I love that he takes his chores a bit further..what a blessing!
I have also taught the children that we serve the Lord in each job we do. No stickers are awarded for those who grumble and complain....
"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might..." Ecclesiastes 9:10
Have you ever read "One hundred and One More Devotions for Homeschool Moms, by Jackie Wellwood?"
If you homeschool or have thought about homeschooling, I encourage this book greatly! Anyways, Jackie writes a chapter on "Right hand and Left hand jobs." There are jobs we like and love to do, that come more easily to us, then there are jobs that are harder to do that we dislike. We need to teach and train our children that we have to do both kind of jobs in this world. Our sons will be providers for their families and most likely have to do quite a few right and left hand jobs. As mothers I accomplish a handful of left and right hand jobs esp when my hubby is away for work. With this lesson taught to my children, we switch the chores up..my oldest dislikes vacuming and my youngest loves it..they switch where my oldest has to vacuum. Keeps the chores fresh and exciting in a way.. "whats my chore going to be mommy!?" ;) The child that has completed the chore for a few weeks then gets to pass any tips they learned to their sibling..they love that part!!
Lastly when your child does not do their chore to your perfection.. lovingly encourage them with P R A I S E. That really is the key to joyful servers! Moms, your children love your praise! Keep praising them and lovingly instruct them.. do not complain about their work, or fix their work. DO show them, complete the work together..
While you and your children serve together, play hymns, pray for your children (and yourself) to be selfless servers.
Here, my sweet 5yr old decided to help me with dinner, his job was placing the tater tots over the burger. I showed him how to place the taters on one side... He did the other side. Perfectionate old me, wanted to fix his lil taters but NO! His little fingers placed them and he did a wonderful job.. I want to encourage his help so the casserole went in the oven just the way he made it!
There are so many free printable chore charts out there, do whatever one will work for you. Again, mine was simple... wrote their name down, highlighed their name and chore.. left room so stickers can be placed all over..easy!
How are chores working in your home? What works, what doesnt?
Remember the word P R A I S E moms! I know I need the reminder daily!
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Our Simple Country Life
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