Matters of Motherhood on Mondays - Chores for the Long Haul

 

Chores and chore training...

Lessons of late for this momma:

Assigning a chore for too short a duration has been an error in our home, I think.  I met a family over the past year that assigns chores to their children for a year.  When first hearing this, it seemed like a very long time for a chore assignment.  I watched this family and listened over the year; I thought lots and my beloved and I talked much...

1.  A long-term chore assignment gives opportunity for the chore to be truly learned and mastered. 

2.  It gives opportunity for the child to know, without a doubt, that they "own" this responsibility and any complaining or grumbling is truly futile; there will be no getting out of the task. 

3.  Long-term assignments give opportunity for the chores to truly become a habit in their routine.

..................

My children are still on the young side.  We have made changes in our household routines and will continue to add chores this year as they progress with the ones already assigned.

Bailey is eight.  She is tasked with making sure her room is cleaned daily before bed.  Items left out of place become the property of her father and I (some items are tossed/given away, some are retained and must be purchased or earned back).  She has daily chores depending upon the household areas to be cleaned on that day.  Today is Monday and we clean and declutter the kitchen, living rooms and the dog's food area.  She is responsible for cleaning the microwave and toaster and the countertop that they sit on.  She is also responsible for decluttering and dusting all tables and bookcases in those rooms.  And on Mondays, she does her two loads of laundry (her sheets will be washed with her light load).  Bailey and Kennedy unload the dishwasher as a team every day.

Kennedy is five.  She is learning how to make sure her room is cleaned daily.  In the kitchen, she cleans the outside of the oven, fridge and dishwasher.  She makes sure that all of the movies are put away and tidy.  She vacuums the sofas.  Kennedy and Bailey unload the dishwasher as a team every day.

Addison is four.  She used to work alongside her sisters more but we have pulled her out of most of the chores, for now...   I have determined that the two big sisters need to learn to work more as a team, providing an example to the younger two.  Addison is learning the steps to keeping her room clean.  Her chores are to help Mommy with whatever Mommy is doing. 

Mother has learned that she must not just come to check but must remain at the side of her child and encourage and lend a hand....at least for now....for many weeks....  

Lending a hand and "catching her where she falls"... lots of encouragement without the critique...

The children learn each day but I think it is the momma that does most of the learning on most of the days.

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posted by Mrs. Klause

January 10, 2011

Comments

[Lorelie Krussow]

A good reminder - I like your practical examples.

[Lori Keathley]

Good suggestions. Thanks for sharing. I love the photo, too! Lori

[Jacqueline]

"I think it is the momma that does most of the learning on most of the days."
Indeed. Another blessed irony of parenting and teaching one's own.

You and your beloved have made wise assessments re: chores. Thank you for sharing your wisdom.

Love the photo of you girls!