Knowing that I'm going to be swamped when I go back to work full-time next week, we had a family meeting. We talked over what it would take to make it work. Since we were pretty successful with 10 kids here, we discussed what we had done differently that helped make that week easier.
Our list:
- woke up early and got dressed right away
- ate breakfast together
- everyone cleared and washed their own dishes (from 2 years and up)
- wiped the table right away
- kept the toys to a minimum and put them away constantly
- swept and vacuumed daily
- did dishes after every meal (every meal made a full dishwasher load)
- no t.v. or movies after dinner
- played for an hour after dinner then had scriptures and prayer
- read little ones to sleep
So we decided to continue those habits and split the daily jobs up fairly. Since none of us like doing the same job every day for a week, we have a revolving chore chart. Each of the older kids has two or three jobs daily (empty dishwasher, sweep, vac, trash, water, fill dw, cook, laundry, etc.) Every day they change though, so they don't have to get into a rut.
The best part though, is the cooking. I really assigned it, so they could help with the cooking. However, they all want to cook all three meals themselves. The first day Arthur cooked all three meals. Calvin was planning his meals ahead, and woke up at 7 am to make everyone waffles! He had a stir fry and rice all planned out for dinner tonight. They are lovin' this!
I have always shied away from chore charts, since I am not one to enforce that kind of structure (making me appear lax when it all goes out the window after a week or two). So I am thrilled that they have taken on these responsibilities so willingly. Man, I have great kids!
10 comments:
We started that over the summer time, and I have to say it makes my life alot easier! You'll love it too! you have great kids! and you guys are great parents!
You have such a beautiful family!
I have a little something for you on my blog:
http://rcbogner.blogspot.com/2009/07/have-to-share-with-world.html
Rachel B
word verification: tingshoi (wow a long one)
families thrive on consistancy and organization. great job mom!
btw--beautiful family
♥ That sounds great!!! i'm all for a schedule it takes some of that chaos away!!! :)
That is so awesome! Your kids are fabulous - My kids don't like the switch the chores everyday - they argue if someone forgot the previous day so I have to do weekly (and I have a chart!) But I love all the activities you did last week with your sister's kids! Now that we're back home, the last 2 days have been catch up days (mostly for me) but I need to get the kids going on activities! Thanks for the inspiration!! xoxo
PS - I missed it - when, where are you going back to work full time????
It sounds like you have some terrific plans! I need to sit down with my family, go over the HELP chart. :)
I got your e-mail that mentioned I was a winner!!! Yippppeeeeeeeeeee! :) Can you tell I am excited!!!!!!!!!!!! :)
We start back in 2 weeks. I start back to work on the first day of school as a teachers aide, and safty (duty)in the lunch room. We are doing what you just did this Sunday evening. Family meeting to work out some details to get everyone helping out.
Sounds like you've got it all under control! I bet your family will get even closer with all of this cooperation and helping out. Great idea!
That sounds great!!! i'm all for a schedule it takes some of that chaos away!!
Work From Home
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