Chores have been a little haphazard around here...until now. Both kids help in different ways but there has not been as much consistency as I would like. It is easy to get caught in the trap of spending too much time thinking it over, trying to decide which chores to assign, what time to do them, etc, etc..... I do think these are important questions to ask, but enough is enough! It is time to take action. It does not have to be perfect. The chore list is not set in stone!! It can be changed! So now we are jumping in with some sort of a plan and seeing how it works out.
Over the last week school has been delayed while we work on establishing our morning chore time. Right after breakfast, before school (actually some chores start before breakfast..but you get the point).
SugarBean is using a Chorepack (see www.Titus2.com) She enjoys looking at her chore cards and should be able to do it without help soon. Little Mister doesnt have a chore chart yet. Even though he is only two years old, he can do a lot! I am planning to take some pictures of him doing certain tasks, adding magnets to the back and putting them on the fridge. I got the idea from Reformingmama. Click here for a more detailed description.
Chores are not simply used to keep the house in order, they are also helpful in building character. (I like what Kim at Large Family Logistics has to say about this subject - click here to read her article on chores)
Through daily chores, children learn how to work hard. They actually contribute to the family and have something REAL to feel good about. Many parents have tried to build self esteem by praising their children for doing nothing. This is often empty praise and does not do well for the child. I looked up the link between chores and self esteem and found these articles:
How Parents Can Build Children's Self Esteem
Chores for Children with Disabilities
When Your Child Suffers From Low Self Esteem by Elizabeth Pantley
Kids can do all sorts of household tasks. When I made a list of all the chores my 5 year old could do, it was huge!! She can do tons of stuff. She can really help me! Dont underestimate what your child can do.
Click here to see one persons list of age appropriate chores. Also check out this Printable Chore Checklist.
There are many benefits to be gained through doing chores. Here are a few (Im sure you can think of many more):
1. Keep house clean
2. Help child learn how to take care of themselves so they dont have a rude awakening when they leave home!
3. Helps children feel better about themselves - that they have accomplished something and contributed to the family.
4. Provides training opportunities - need to deal with poor attitudes, sloppy work, etc.
5. Develops a strong work ethic.
6. Develops strong bonds - ties grow stronger when you work together
7. After working hard, other things seem easy.
Of course it takes time for these benefits to be seen. Many moms will tell you how difficult it can be to do housework with little ones around, or how much looonger it takes to show them how to do it. But it is only for a season. You will be able to hand the job over to the child in time, then you will be free to do other things  You wont regret investing time and energy into teaching your little ones how to take care of themselves and their home. They will thank you for it (eventually).
Remember...keep it simple! | 
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