During the school year it seems as though we are going a million miles an hour and its seemingly easier to do things myself. But all of that has changed this summer. This summer I'm not working, not having a baby or bringing one home and I'm not doing all of the chores by myself. If it is something they can do, I let them. I also have let go of a whole bunch of control and lowered my expectations! The result has been a cleaner house and more importantly more time together.
So what do they do? After lunch and dinner the older ones take turns washing the dishes, wiping down the table, sweeping and moping the floor. We always give Regan and Jack their own rags and ask them to clean but usually nothing happens. All the while I can do things like clean off Jack and wipe the counters down and put away any leftovers. They love using the mops. I love not moping. It doesn't look perfect but on the flip side its getting done and besides its gonna be messed up in about 5 seconds anyway. They also unload the dryer, fold socks and wash cloths, pick up the living room and dust along with being semi responsible for their rooms.
The best part is we are spending more time together (oh and I am way less stressed) and they are learning valuable life skills. I want my kids to be able to take care of and depend on themselves more the older they get. They feel so accomplished and proud of their work and in turn we give them praise and are sure to let them overhear us bragging about them. Our goal by the end of the summer is that they can each (Ethan and Ellie) be able to prepare a simple meal without leaving a mess and know how to do some simple cleaning tasks on their own. So far so good. I know it can only get better the older they get, that is until they quit enjoying mopping.
Oh and just because its summer and because I think she is so great, here is Regan at the splash pad.
So what do they do? After lunch and dinner the older ones take turns washing the dishes, wiping down the table, sweeping and moping the floor. We always give Regan and Jack their own rags and ask them to clean but usually nothing happens. All the while I can do things like clean off Jack and wipe the counters down and put away any leftovers. They love using the mops. I love not moping. It doesn't look perfect but on the flip side its getting done and besides its gonna be messed up in about 5 seconds anyway. They also unload the dryer, fold socks and wash cloths, pick up the living room and dust along with being semi responsible for their rooms.
The best part is we are spending more time together (oh and I am way less stressed) and they are learning valuable life skills. I want my kids to be able to take care of and depend on themselves more the older they get. They feel so accomplished and proud of their work and in turn we give them praise and are sure to let them overhear us bragging about them. Our goal by the end of the summer is that they can each (Ethan and Ellie) be able to prepare a simple meal without leaving a mess and know how to do some simple cleaning tasks on their own. So far so good. I know it can only get better the older they get, that is until they quit enjoying mopping.
Oh and just because its summer and because I think she is so great, here is Regan at the splash pad.
What a fun picture! We try and require more responsibility in the summer too...it can't be all fun and games all the time! It's just not to all work together as a family...which makes more time for fun!
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