This week I finally, finally was able to implement the chore system I've been working on for a long time now. I am so pleased with the results! The boys have taken to it with little to no complaints. (Eva is another story, but we're working on it.)
These are all of the chores they did this week, in addition to regular things like unloading the dishwasher and taking out the trash. And we only did it for four day this week, due to Max's birthday (freebie!) and other plans today.
Landon was here on the day they had to wash the car, so he joined in. They completed the task in about 15 minutes!
Today I taught Lucas how to mow the lawn. It was difficult for him, hard to maneuver the mower and make the turns, hard to empty the bag. Plus, he hates loud noises, so he had to wear ear plugs. But he did it! He did a good job, too. I don't know how he could not feel pleased with his work.I have had to help with some things – teach them how to do the jobs – and with others I just supervised or checked their work. The beautiful thing about this system is that they are simultaneously completing jobs that need to get done and learning valuable skills. I for one am excited.
15 comments:
Success indeed! I am proud of you. I'm proud of your kids. Nothing builds confidence like work.
(And your handwriting is beautiful even on popsicle sticks.)
Hooray.
I love the photo of Lucas! Soren learned to mow the lawn this year and although he does not get to the edges or keep straight lines yet, it is good to see him working and such a huge help to Kelly and I. I'm pretty sure our HOA appreciates it too.
Teaching the chore is always the hardest for me. I know it is a mistake when we assume children know how to clean, but finding the time and listening to the whining make it hard.
LOVE that Scouts is on the sticks!
Congratulations on your success Michelle!
Amen to this!
we are in SORE need here of this here- we are in full swing summer sittin' around making a mess mode.
I totally lost it on Friday - I must have had 5 giant cry sessions because I was feeling so dumped on and unappreciated. I could feel the break-down coming, and I made little cries for help for the past month.
So our new chore system I've been meaning to do actually came together yesterday and starts tomorrow. I just wish it hadn't taken crisis-level misery to get it done.
I just made my chore sticks yesterday! I don't think the girls are thrilled, but I am!!!!!!!!
Woohoo for a mothering success!! You know I love this idea and think it works brilliantly for both us as mothers and for the kids because it forces us to take the time to teach them how to do things we might not otherwise feel motivated to take the time to teach them!
I also think it's highly satisfying to see the finished job sticks and to know that those things got done on top of all the regular home-maintenance chores.
Always a bonus what a plan is implemmented and a success!! Congrats!
I am starting a new project tomorrow so my littles aren't just reading (!!) and lounging all day! So odd.
:-)
That is awesome! Love it when kids are excited about doing chores and learning how to do them.
I have ogled this system on Jill's blog for quite a while now. I may have to switch systems. Hmmmmm. But I've just lately been feeling like my kids have been broken in with our current way of doing things. So. Who knows.
You're a Popsicle Stick Genius.
i love that photo of lucas...he looks satisfied....i've never tried this before, but maybe I will join in....there is nothing like teaching your kids to work...my mum did an excellent job with me. I don't know if it was because we were 6 or what.....but I think I have a lot more skills than my brothers....I wonder what happend there? maybe things would have been different if I were the baby.....
This is such a great idea. I really need to start it.
i am so excited for the kids to have space to start working.
they all had chores sat morning and were thrilled! we shall see how long that lasts.
Hot dog. Success, indeed!
I'm going to make stick jobs for the people at my office, 'Stop being a grump,' 'Put dirty glasses in dishwasher,' 'Refill paper when copier runs out.'
I love mowing the lawn. My dad never let us when I was little, so I didn't learn how to use a mower until I was about 24? The instant transformation is so gratifying to me. From chaos to order in no time flat!
Sister Olivier!!
I find myself obsessed with your blog! ha! you are so cute, I hope to be a cute mother like you someday!
Not just saying that,
you're adorable.
Love from,
http://lylamaeandlucylou.blogspot.com
aka
your favorite old Laurel who is no longer a laurel,
Sydney
Post a Comment