Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Children and chores

Our children are required to do chores daily and no, they don't get paid for them. We believe that as a member of the family, they should be expected to contribute around the home. Mama ain't no doormat and she ain't your slave ;) We train all of our children in all chores around the home. Our boys can wash dishes and girlie can take out the trash. We assign each child a room that is theirs for a specified length of time and they are in charge of making sure that room stays picked up and clean. Each child has a notebook with a list of chores that are to be done and when they need done. Each day also has a specific chore because some chores only need done once a week, not daily. They have chores that are to be done in the morning and some that get done in the afternoon. There is also a list of what needs to be done to get ready for bed. Each child also has certain animals that are their responsibility and if their animals don't eat, neither do they. Today I sat down and reworked a schedule that we had been using but had slacked on during December, it's time to get back to it. The schedule just gives them times that their notebooks have to be done by, when their school has to be done, when their kitchen duties have to be done and what rewards they get for each thing, or punishment if it isn't completed on time. Punishments include extra chores or writing scripture verses.
Remember I said they don't get paid, they do get rewards. They earn tokens to exchange for 30 minutes of video or tv time. They also get stones to keep in their jar; whoever has the most stones the day I go to town for groceries gets to go with me and choose where we eat for lunch. They love that one on one day with Mama. They also get stones for good behavior and for good actions above and beyond what is required.
That's how we divide up chores around our home. What do you do?

2 comments:

  1. I love these ideas! I struggle with being consistent in the area of chores. I would love to see more of a list of what your children have to do...just for more ideas.
    Tara

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  2. I'll try to get lists posted later today :) Thank you for stopping by!

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