Chores
Melanie Shimokawa
When I was a kid, we all had specific chores we had to do - I had
laundry and kitchen (including dishes, etc) - and specific times by
which we had to have them done. I couldn't go to after school
activities because I had to go home a get my chores done. That just led
to resentment with all my brothers and sisters (there are seven kids).
If our chores weren't done, we couldn't go out with friends or eat
dinner, etc. Pretty strict, and not at all helpful. With my family, I
know that ds is only two, and can't exactly wash dishes, but I know of a
family who goes by the following rules, and we plan to do the same: If
you see it needs to be done, do it. How would you feel
if___________(somebody the kid really admires and wants to impress) came
over right now? Choose your favorite chore that needs to be done,
because if the house is trashed and I see you straightening and
vacuuming, then I'll wash the dishes, but if I see you watching tv, I'll
choose your chore for you. With three older kids (hs, jhs, and 6
grade), this system works well for their family, and I hope it will work
out for ours. The kids come home from school, see what needs to be
done, and then do it. And mom works right along side her kids -
something my mother never did, but I wish she had. She did all her work
while we were at school, and we never knew what she did. She was always
watching tv when we got home from school, so we just thought she was
lazy. 'Course, had we been at home, we would have known just how hard
she did work.
Love, Melanie in Japan
laundry and kitchen (including dishes, etc) - and specific times by
which we had to have them done. I couldn't go to after school
activities because I had to go home a get my chores done. That just led
to resentment with all my brothers and sisters (there are seven kids).
If our chores weren't done, we couldn't go out with friends or eat
dinner, etc. Pretty strict, and not at all helpful. With my family, I
know that ds is only two, and can't exactly wash dishes, but I know of a
family who goes by the following rules, and we plan to do the same: If
you see it needs to be done, do it. How would you feel
if___________(somebody the kid really admires and wants to impress) came
over right now? Choose your favorite chore that needs to be done,
because if the house is trashed and I see you straightening and
vacuuming, then I'll wash the dishes, but if I see you watching tv, I'll
choose your chore for you. With three older kids (hs, jhs, and 6
grade), this system works well for their family, and I hope it will work
out for ours. The kids come home from school, see what needs to be
done, and then do it. And mom works right along side her kids -
something my mother never did, but I wish she had. She did all her work
while we were at school, and we never knew what she did. She was always
watching tv when we got home from school, so we just thought she was
lazy. 'Course, had we been at home, we would have known just how hard
she did work.
Love, Melanie in Japan
Tracy Oldfield
Melanie, I had exactly the opposite experience, I wasn't expected to do
anything! Unfortunately, that meant that when I left home I had no idea how
long things took, what needed doing, what I enjoyed doing... except that I
have a mental block about washing-up, since my mum constantly told me (and
others while I was there) that I needn't do washing-up now, since I'd have
enough to do when I got my own place. So, I'm reading your friends scheme
with interest. It definitely looks like a good idea, although of course I'd
rephrase it a little!
Thanks for sharing!
Tracy
___
___
anything! Unfortunately, that meant that when I left home I had no idea how
long things took, what needed doing, what I enjoyed doing... except that I
have a mental block about washing-up, since my mum constantly told me (and
others while I was there) that I needn't do washing-up now, since I'd have
enough to do when I got my own place. So, I'm reading your friends scheme
with interest. It definitely looks like a good idea, although of course I'd
rephrase it a little!
Thanks for sharing!
Tracy
>____________________________________________________________________________
> Message: 22
> Date: Thu, 26 Aug 1999 16:15:33 +0900
> From: Melanie Shimokawa <sfamily@...>
> Subject: Chores
>
> When I was a kid, we all had specific chores we had to do - I had
> laundry and kitchen (including dishes, etc) - and specific times by
> which we had to have them done. I couldn't go to after school
> activities because I had to go home a get my chores done. That just led
> to resentment with all my brothers and sisters (there are seven kids).
> If our chores weren't done, we couldn't go out with friends or eat
> dinner, etc. Pretty strict, and not at all helpful. With my family, I
> know that ds is only two, and can't exactly wash dishes, but I know of a
> family who goes by the following rules, and we plan to do the same: If
> you see it needs to be done, do it. How would you feel
> if___________(somebody the kid really admires and wants to impress) came
> over right now? Choose your favorite chore that needs to be done,
> because if the house is trashed and I see you straightening and
> vacuuming, then I'll wash the dishes, but if I see you watching tv, I'll
> choose your chore for you. With three older kids (hs, jhs, and 6
> grade), this system works well for their family, and I hope it will work
> out for ours. The kids come home from school, see what needs to be
> done, and then do it. And mom works right along side her kids -
> something my mother never did, but I wish she had. She did all her work
> while we were at school, and we never knew what she did. She was always
> watching tv when we got home from school, so we just thought she was
> lazy. 'Course, had we been at home, we would have known just how hard
> she did work.
>
> Love, Melanie in Japan
>
>
>
___
>____________________________________________________________________________
___
>
>
[email protected]
hi melanie in japan, ( i have a sister living in tokyo!)
thnx for the idea! i am intrigued, i have presented getting things done in
that way a time or two and they just really dont feel worried enough that any
one would be unimpressed yet (which is good, i dont want them to feel judged
by that kind of thing--)
but i like the part about looking busy or getting assigned a chore... my kids
are great at staying busy so that mom forgets that they havent tended to
their responsibilities! typical and to be expected, i did the same thing in
school when i didnt want to be called on!
i did learn early on that we all need to work together, i mean-- at the same
time, that way everybody feels treated evenly and can be encouraged along...
(eg. we all get up and are doing the morning bedmaking/dressing/picking up
together)
but there is no school to come home from to <The kids come home from school,
see what needs to be
done, and then do it.>!!
oh well, i am certainly glad that i dont have kids gone away to school all
day bc then i would have more guilt that i should truly houseclean!! <G>
erin
thnx for the idea! i am intrigued, i have presented getting things done in
that way a time or two and they just really dont feel worried enough that any
one would be unimpressed yet (which is good, i dont want them to feel judged
by that kind of thing--)
but i like the part about looking busy or getting assigned a chore... my kids
are great at staying busy so that mom forgets that they havent tended to
their responsibilities! typical and to be expected, i did the same thing in
school when i didnt want to be called on!
i did learn early on that we all need to work together, i mean-- at the same
time, that way everybody feels treated evenly and can be encouraged along...
(eg. we all get up and are doing the morning bedmaking/dressing/picking up
together)
but there is no school to come home from to <The kids come home from school,
see what needs to be
done, and then do it.>!!
oh well, i am certainly glad that i dont have kids gone away to school all
day bc then i would have more guilt that i should truly houseclean!! <G>
erin
[email protected]
In a message dated 4/28/1 4:12:37 AM, [email protected]
writes:
<<We
all share in most of the tasks with a few exceptions, based on physical
limits or preferences. There are no divisions along male/female lines>>
I really like this too. Also, why not let everyone choose the tasks they
actually like to do? Doesn't this set the kids up for choosing jobs they
like in the future- instead of doing something they DON'T like because they
have the message that "we can't always do what we want, etc?" Now that seems
like a true unschooling thought!
:-) I mean, there are things that have to get done we don't like- but why
not delegate the tasks according to everyone's preferences? Does this make
sense to anyone?!! :-)
Vic
writes:
<<We
all share in most of the tasks with a few exceptions, based on physical
limits or preferences. There are no divisions along male/female lines>>
I really like this too. Also, why not let everyone choose the tasks they
actually like to do? Doesn't this set the kids up for choosing jobs they
like in the future- instead of doing something they DON'T like because they
have the message that "we can't always do what we want, etc?" Now that seems
like a true unschooling thought!
:-) I mean, there are things that have to get done we don't like- but why
not delegate the tasks according to everyone's preferences? Does this make
sense to anyone?!! :-)
Vic
Tami Labig-Duquette
Sorta makes sense, but if asked "Hey who wants to do all these dishes?" I
would get few takers :) My guys are a little older, (12,10 &7 yo), they do
like to help out here and there. Because it makes them feel good inside and
gets all the non-fun stuff out of the way so we can finish our paper mache'
rain forest or our Egyptian wall or our various other projects. We are
pretty much in a constant state of disorganization due to our projects, so
we do the basics and nothing else :) We have an allowance thing, but more
like a family fun-fund that we donate to :)
Tami
Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com
would get few takers :) My guys are a little older, (12,10 &7 yo), they do
like to help out here and there. Because it makes them feel good inside and
gets all the non-fun stuff out of the way so we can finish our paper mache'
rain forest or our Egyptian wall or our various other projects. We are
pretty much in a constant state of disorganization due to our projects, so
we do the basics and nothing else :) We have an allowance thing, but more
like a family fun-fund that we donate to :)
Tami
>From: noni411@..._________________________________________________________________
>Reply-To: [email protected]
>To: [email protected]
>Subject: Re: [Unschooling-dotcom] Chores
>Date: Sat, 28 Apr 2001 12:48:46 EDT
>
>
>In a message dated 4/28/1 4:12:37 AM, [email protected]
>writes:
>
><<We
>all share in most of the tasks with a few exceptions, based on physical
>limits or preferences. There are no divisions along male/female lines>>
>
>I really like this too. Also, why not let everyone choose the tasks they
>actually like to do? Doesn't this set the kids up for choosing jobs they
>like in the future- instead of doing something they DON'T like because they
>have the message that "we can't always do what we want, etc?" Now that
>seems
>like a true unschooling thought!
>:-) I mean, there are things that have to get done we don't like- but why
>not delegate the tasks according to everyone's preferences? Does this make
>sense to anyone?!! :-)
>
>Vic
Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com
Tammy Graves
We don't have actual "chores" in our household assigned to anyone (except all
the ones I have). I tell my dd's that there are some things that need to be done
in order to accomplish other things that day. I really want to go to the park
one day but the toys also need to be picked up prior to going, so usually my
dd's are pretty compliant as to helping me pick up all the toys so we can go. I
also advise them that we have to be at a certain time so if I'm the only one
picking up the toys, we will have less time, because I plan to take my time
picking them up. There are also times, I may have to resort to bribery to get
some other stuff done. This is done simply though with nickels (and nothing is
more than 2 for any chore). But when I did start using the $ for trade, my dd's
started understanding the currency more - hey, they were learning! I have also
resorted to turning off the tv when needed. I think it really depends on the
ages of your kids too. Mine are 3 & 6.
A funny story was the other day on the way out someplace, my oldest, did not
like the clothes I picked out for her to wear. I reminded her again that 1. she
did not want to get up earlier to pick out something herself to wear and 2.
because the "family" decided that we needed to go out to a bar-b-q the night
before and stay out late that I did not do any laundry and since no one wanted
to help me do the laundry, some of us did not have their favorite clothes to
wear (I did mine though)! When we got home later that day, she helped me
re-start some laundry!
the ones I have). I tell my dd's that there are some things that need to be done
in order to accomplish other things that day. I really want to go to the park
one day but the toys also need to be picked up prior to going, so usually my
dd's are pretty compliant as to helping me pick up all the toys so we can go. I
also advise them that we have to be at a certain time so if I'm the only one
picking up the toys, we will have less time, because I plan to take my time
picking them up. There are also times, I may have to resort to bribery to get
some other stuff done. This is done simply though with nickels (and nothing is
more than 2 for any chore). But when I did start using the $ for trade, my dd's
started understanding the currency more - hey, they were learning! I have also
resorted to turning off the tv when needed. I think it really depends on the
ages of your kids too. Mine are 3 & 6.
A funny story was the other day on the way out someplace, my oldest, did not
like the clothes I picked out for her to wear. I reminded her again that 1. she
did not want to get up earlier to pick out something herself to wear and 2.
because the "family" decided that we needed to go out to a bar-b-q the night
before and stay out late that I did not do any laundry and since no one wanted
to help me do the laundry, some of us did not have their favorite clothes to
wear (I did mine though)! When we got home later that day, she helped me
re-start some laundry!
[email protected]
Since Julian is home (for several years now) and is older (Twelve tomorrow!)
we generally expect that the three of us are partners, as members of the
family, in keeping the house liveable. We all try not to have anyone in
charge regularly of a task they hate. Of course, sometimes it's inevitable,
but there is sympathy from others when it's inescapable.
Julian does all of the family laundry. He does not fold, but he treks up and
down from the basement, and is quite pleasant about it. He's generally very
cooperative about other tasks as needed, and we're all much happier now that
we have a wonderful cleaner come in every two weeks. Makes the house really
clean regularly, AND we have to straighten up for her to clean, so it doen't
get too scary.
So we don't really have "chores," exactly...just stuff we have to do (all of
us) to be able to live happily and to avoid squalor.
Kathryn
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
we generally expect that the three of us are partners, as members of the
family, in keeping the house liveable. We all try not to have anyone in
charge regularly of a task they hate. Of course, sometimes it's inevitable,
but there is sympathy from others when it's inescapable.
Julian does all of the family laundry. He does not fold, but he treks up and
down from the basement, and is quite pleasant about it. He's generally very
cooperative about other tasks as needed, and we're all much happier now that
we have a wonderful cleaner come in every two weeks. Makes the house really
clean regularly, AND we have to straighten up for her to clean, so it doen't
get too scary.
So we don't really have "chores," exactly...just stuff we have to do (all of
us) to be able to live happily and to avoid squalor.
Kathryn
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Bronwen
we have no chores.
Bronwen
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Bronwen
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
In a message dated 9/10/01 5:25:26 PM, sld29@... writes:
<< We don't require chores at all in my house. No one is required to do
anything he or she doesn't feel like doing. This approach is different
than how I was raised, but I cannot believe how peaceful our house is.
Everyone *does* work, even the two year old helps fold laundry, pick up
clothes, sort clean silverware, dust, clean mirrors, etc. Reading The
Continuum Concept and re-evaluating my theories has helped immensely. I
trust that everyone wants to be social and contribute to the group, and
lo and behold, they are social and contribute immensely to the group! >>
Same here.
The peace of the house is much greater than the cleanliness of the house.
Friends still want to come over.
I've been to houses where the kids are always looking for a way to get the
heck out. Here, their friends are clamoring for a way to get the heck in!
Sandra
"Everything counts."
http://expage.com/SandraDoddArticles
http://expage.com/SandraDodd
<< We don't require chores at all in my house. No one is required to do
anything he or she doesn't feel like doing. This approach is different
than how I was raised, but I cannot believe how peaceful our house is.
Everyone *does* work, even the two year old helps fold laundry, pick up
clothes, sort clean silverware, dust, clean mirrors, etc. Reading The
Continuum Concept and re-evaluating my theories has helped immensely. I
trust that everyone wants to be social and contribute to the group, and
lo and behold, they are social and contribute immensely to the group! >>
Same here.
The peace of the house is much greater than the cleanliness of the house.
Friends still want to come over.
I've been to houses where the kids are always looking for a way to get the
heck out. Here, their friends are clamoring for a way to get the heck in!
Sandra
"Everything counts."
http://expage.com/SandraDoddArticles
http://expage.com/SandraDodd
Jon and Rue Kream
My kids have actual arguments over who gets to Swiffer! We don't require
chores, and have the same results you do. A happy, pretty clean house. ~Rue
-----Original Message-----
From: Sarah [mailto:sld29@...]
Sent: Monday, September 10, 2001 8:33 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [Unschooling-dotcom] Chores
We don't require chores at all in my house. No one is required to do
anything he or she doesn't feel like doing. This approach is different
than how I was raised, but I cannot believe how peaceful our house is.
Everyone *does* work, even the two year old helps fold laundry, pick up
clothes, sort clean silverware, dust, clean mirrors, etc. Reading The
Continuum Concept and re-evaluating my theories has helped immensely. I
trust that everyone wants to be social and contribute to the group, and
lo and behold, they are social and contribute immensely to the group!
Admittedly, some things don't get done as often as others (we all
postpone mopping and scouring the bathtub), but between us someone likes
to do dishes, cook, wash, dry and fold laundry, clean countertops and
mirrors, garden, mow the lawn, paint, hammer, etc. In fact, I dare say
our house is cleaner than average.
Sarah Anderson-Thimmes, confessing to a love of vacuuming
Bridget E Coffman wrote:
NetZero Platinum
Only $9.95 per month!
Sign up in September to win one of 30 Hawaiian Vacations for 2!
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chores, and have the same results you do. A happy, pretty clean house. ~Rue
-----Original Message-----
From: Sarah [mailto:sld29@...]
Sent: Monday, September 10, 2001 8:33 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [Unschooling-dotcom] Chores
We don't require chores at all in my house. No one is required to do
anything he or she doesn't feel like doing. This approach is different
than how I was raised, but I cannot believe how peaceful our house is.
Everyone *does* work, even the two year old helps fold laundry, pick up
clothes, sort clean silverware, dust, clean mirrors, etc. Reading The
Continuum Concept and re-evaluating my theories has helped immensely. I
trust that everyone wants to be social and contribute to the group, and
lo and behold, they are social and contribute immensely to the group!
Admittedly, some things don't get done as often as others (we all
postpone mopping and scouring the bathtub), but between us someone likes
to do dishes, cook, wash, dry and fold laundry, clean countertops and
mirrors, garden, mow the lawn, paint, hammer, etc. In fact, I dare say
our house is cleaner than average.
Sarah Anderson-Thimmes, confessing to a love of vacuuming
Bridget E Coffman wrote:
> So your kids have absolutely no chores whatsoever?---------------------------------------------------------------
NetZero Platinum
Only $9.95 per month!
Sign up in September to win one of 30 Hawaiian Vacations for 2!
http://my.netzero.net/s/signup?r=platinum&refcd=PT97
Message boards, timely articles, a free newsletter and more!
Check it all out at: http://www.unschooling.com
To unsubscribe, set preferences, or read archives:
http://www.egroups.com/group/Unschooling-dotcom
Another great list sponsored by Home Education Magazine!
http://www.home-ed-magazine.com
Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
Sarah
We don't require chores at all in my house. No one is required to do
anything he or she doesn't feel like doing. This approach is different
than how I was raised, but I cannot believe how peaceful our house is.
Everyone *does* work, even the two year old helps fold laundry, pick up
clothes, sort clean silverware, dust, clean mirrors, etc. Reading The
Continuum Concept and re-evaluating my theories has helped immensely. I
trust that everyone wants to be social and contribute to the group, and
lo and behold, they are social and contribute immensely to the group!
Admittedly, some things don't get done as often as others (we all
postpone mopping and scouring the bathtub), but between us someone likes
to do dishes, cook, wash, dry and fold laundry, clean countertops and
mirrors, garden, mow the lawn, paint, hammer, etc. In fact, I dare say
our house is cleaner than average.
Sarah Anderson-Thimmes, confessing to a love of vacuuming
Bridget E Coffman wrote:
NetZero Platinum
Only $9.95 per month!
Sign up in September to win one of 30 Hawaiian Vacations for 2!
http://my.netzero.net/s/signup?r=platinum&refcd=PT97
anything he or she doesn't feel like doing. This approach is different
than how I was raised, but I cannot believe how peaceful our house is.
Everyone *does* work, even the two year old helps fold laundry, pick up
clothes, sort clean silverware, dust, clean mirrors, etc. Reading The
Continuum Concept and re-evaluating my theories has helped immensely. I
trust that everyone wants to be social and contribute to the group, and
lo and behold, they are social and contribute immensely to the group!
Admittedly, some things don't get done as often as others (we all
postpone mopping and scouring the bathtub), but between us someone likes
to do dishes, cook, wash, dry and fold laundry, clean countertops and
mirrors, garden, mow the lawn, paint, hammer, etc. In fact, I dare say
our house is cleaner than average.
Sarah Anderson-Thimmes, confessing to a love of vacuuming
Bridget E Coffman wrote:
> So your kids have absolutely no chores whatsoever?---------------------------------------------------------------
NetZero Platinum
Only $9.95 per month!
Sign up in September to win one of 30 Hawaiian Vacations for 2!
http://my.netzero.net/s/signup?r=platinum&refcd=PT97
[email protected]
Housekeeping is not my strong point. And we have a small house that does not
help the clutter issue. I do not give the kids chores. But about an hour
before their Dad is due home from work I tell everyone to help clear a path.
Together we pick up, run a vacuum, and fold clothes. Together it does not
take very long, sometimes as little as 15 minutes. No one feels really put
out and the house is far from perfect but we are happy with it. The kids also
have pets that they willing take care of everyday.
Candace
help the clutter issue. I do not give the kids chores. But about an hour
before their Dad is due home from work I tell everyone to help clear a path.
Together we pick up, run a vacuum, and fold clothes. Together it does not
take very long, sometimes as little as 15 minutes. No one feels really put
out and the house is far from perfect but we are happy with it. The kids also
have pets that they willing take care of everyday.
Candace
Bridget E Coffman
No offense but many of you say you don't give your kids chores . . . but,
they help do this and that, or they take care of this. Guess what?
Those are chores. No matter what you want to call tham and what the
level of cooperation is, they are still chores. Perhaps the reason why
you jumped on me for our job list when it is nearly identical to
lovemary's(?) was because we call a chore 'a chore' in this house. We
have chosen not to call cleaning the toilet and opportunity to do
something together. But, if it helps y'all to get stuff done to call it
chutes and ladders, go for it.
Bridget
On Mon, 10 Sep 2001 23:09:49 EDT discovery6@... writes:
comes from morons?~~~~
I sent my Soul through the Invisible,
Some letter of that After-life to spell;
And by and by my Soul returned to me,
And answered, "I Myself am Heaven and Hell." -- The Rubaiyat
they help do this and that, or they take care of this. Guess what?
Those are chores. No matter what you want to call tham and what the
level of cooperation is, they are still chores. Perhaps the reason why
you jumped on me for our job list when it is nearly identical to
lovemary's(?) was because we call a chore 'a chore' in this house. We
have chosen not to call cleaning the toilet and opportunity to do
something together. But, if it helps y'all to get stuff done to call it
chutes and ladders, go for it.
Bridget
On Mon, 10 Sep 2001 23:09:49 EDT discovery6@... writes:
> Housekeeping is not my strong point. And we have a small house thatdoes not
> help the clutter issue. I do not give the kids chores. But about anhour
> before their Dad is due home from work I tell everyone to help clear apath.
> Together we pick up, run a vacuum, and fold clothes. Together it doesnot
> take very long, sometimes as little as 15 minutes. No one feels reallyput
> out and the house is far from perfect but we are happy with it. Thekids also
> have pets that they willing take care of everyday.~~~~If electricity comes from electrons...does that mean that morality
> Candace
>
comes from morons?~~~~
I sent my Soul through the Invisible,
Some letter of that After-life to spell;
And by and by my Soul returned to me,
And answered, "I Myself am Heaven and Hell." -- The Rubaiyat
Jon and Rue Kream
Hi Bridget - I guess I always think of chores as something assigned, that
HAS to be done or else there are consequences, or even as something that
gets rewarded if done (allowance) and I was just saying that we don't use
that method of housekeeping here. So, yes, we do chores, but, no, we don't
require chores. Make sense? ~Rue
HAS to be done or else there are consequences, or even as something that
gets rewarded if done (allowance) and I was just saying that we don't use
that method of housekeeping here. So, yes, we do chores, but, no, we don't
require chores. Make sense? ~Rue
[email protected]
In a message dated 9/11/01 6:54:36 AM, rumpleteasermom@... writes:
<< No offense but many of you say you don't give your kids chores . . . but,
they help do this and that, or they take care of this. Guess what?
Those are chores. No matter what you want to call tham and what the
level of cooperation is, they are still chores. Perhaps the reason why
you jumped on me for our job list when it is nearly identical to
lovemary's(?) was because we call a chore 'a chore' in this house. We
have chosen not to call cleaning the toilet and opportunity to do
something together. But, if it helps y'all to get stuff done to call it
chutes and ladders, go for it.
Sandra
"Everything counts."
http://expage.com/SandraDoddArticles
http://expage.com/SandraDodd
<< No offense but many of you say you don't give your kids chores . . . but,
they help do this and that, or they take care of this. Guess what?
Those are chores. No matter what you want to call tham and what the
level of cooperation is, they are still chores. Perhaps the reason why
you jumped on me for our job list when it is nearly identical to
lovemary's(?) was because we call a chore 'a chore' in this house. We
have chosen not to call cleaning the toilet and opportunity to do
something together. But, if it helps y'all to get stuff done to call it
chutes and ladders, go for it.
>>"No offense" doesn't magically make insult and sarcasm non-offensive.
Sandra
"Everything counts."
http://expage.com/SandraDoddArticles
http://expage.com/SandraDodd
Rachel Wolfe Ravenhart
Hey, what defines "chore"? Is a chore something set by an outside
authority (such as a parent) as a must do, or is a chore a task that
needs doing? It seems that how one defines chore would make a big
difference on whether or not the kids have 'em.
Rachel Ravenhart
authority (such as a parent) as a must do, or is a chore a task that
needs doing? It seems that how one defines chore would make a big
difference on whether or not the kids have 'em.
Rachel Ravenhart
[email protected]
On Tue, 11 Sep 2001 07:54:10 -0400 Bridget E Coffman
<rumpleteasermom@...> writes:
hundreds of posts to and from you over the past few days.
Your post implies that you, as adult, decide that these things need to be
done, and the kids are assigned to help, or are jollied into helping, or
whatever.
We do stuff because it needs to be done and we're there. Cacie is pretty
much the exclusive carpet sweeper-er and swiffer-er, and does it far more
often than I would. I generally do the laundry because I like it, and we
usually both fold and put away while we talk. Sometimes Cacie will be
doing something and not fold, and that's okay. Sometimes I'll put away
her clothes. Sometimes she'll put away mine. Sometimes I get uptight and
growl about the messiness and she either clears out until I get a grip or
decides to clean up some stuff... sometimes she kicks me out of a room
with orders not to re-enter until she says it's okay, and cleans the
whole thing. Sometimes I can't sleep and clean instead.
To be honestly, the house is generally a bit of a tip, but I'm working on
being okay with that. For a while I bartered with someone to clean, that
was cool.
Daron
<rumpleteasermom@...> writes:
> No offense but many of you say you don't give your kids chores . . .but,
> they help do this and that, or they take care of this. Guess what?No. And that you can't see the difference is really the heart of the
> Those are chores. No matter what you want to call tham and what the
> level of cooperation is, they are still chores.
hundreds of posts to and from you over the past few days.
Your post implies that you, as adult, decide that these things need to be
done, and the kids are assigned to help, or are jollied into helping, or
whatever.
We do stuff because it needs to be done and we're there. Cacie is pretty
much the exclusive carpet sweeper-er and swiffer-er, and does it far more
often than I would. I generally do the laundry because I like it, and we
usually both fold and put away while we talk. Sometimes Cacie will be
doing something and not fold, and that's okay. Sometimes I'll put away
her clothes. Sometimes she'll put away mine. Sometimes I get uptight and
growl about the messiness and she either clears out until I get a grip or
decides to clean up some stuff... sometimes she kicks me out of a room
with orders not to re-enter until she says it's okay, and cleans the
whole thing. Sometimes I can't sleep and clean instead.
To be honestly, the house is generally a bit of a tip, but I'm working on
being okay with that. For a while I bartered with someone to clean, that
was cool.
Daron
[email protected]
<< So, yes, we do chores, but, no, we don't
require chores. >>
It's a chore if you don't want to do it! <g>
Same with "work," I think.
A person can have a job and really enjoy it and WANT to be there, and so it's
not the same as "just work" where you get paid to toil (in the dirt or at a
desk) by the hour.
When we clean the house, it's not a chore any more than when we play around
with math it's "math work." It's playing.
Marty and I stacked a WHOLE bunch of wood, and it needed to be done, but it
was like a game, too, and a puzzle. It wasn't a chore. The bringing in of
wood has to do with the need for wood, and who has shoes on and who's not
doing something more important.
If we make it one person's job, that would be a chore, and if there was no
wood by the fireplace, a person would have failed. There's no failure the
way we do it now, just success.
Sandra
"Everything counts."
http://expage.com/SandraDoddArticles
http://expage.com/SandraDodd
require chores. >>
It's a chore if you don't want to do it! <g>
Same with "work," I think.
A person can have a job and really enjoy it and WANT to be there, and so it's
not the same as "just work" where you get paid to toil (in the dirt or at a
desk) by the hour.
When we clean the house, it's not a chore any more than when we play around
with math it's "math work." It's playing.
Marty and I stacked a WHOLE bunch of wood, and it needed to be done, but it
was like a game, too, and a puzzle. It wasn't a chore. The bringing in of
wood has to do with the need for wood, and who has shoes on and who's not
doing something more important.
If we make it one person's job, that would be a chore, and if there was no
wood by the fireplace, a person would have failed. There's no failure the
way we do it now, just success.
Sandra
"Everything counts."
http://expage.com/SandraDoddArticles
http://expage.com/SandraDodd
Tia Leschke
>Perhaps the reason whyIt seems to me that the crucial difference between these two families is
>you jumped on me for our job list when it is nearly identical to
>lovemary's(?) was because we call a chore 'a chore' in this house. We
>have chosen not to call cleaning the toilet and opportunity to do
>something together. But, if it helps y'all to get stuff done to call it
>chutes and ladders, go for it.
that one of them has penalties of some kind for not doing the chores/toilet
cleaning/chutes and ladders/whatever you want to call them, and the other
one doesn't.
Tia
Tia Leschke leschke@...
On Vancouver Island
********************************************************************************************
It is the answers which separate us, the questions which unite us. - Janice
Levy
Bridget E Coffman
Well, to be honest there is no penalty for missing a chore or two. There
is a penalty, or should I say consequence to not being a productive
member of the family. The consequence is loosing the perks of being a
contributing family memeber. Things like will others do thing for you if
you are not doing ANYTHING for the family.
Bridget
On Tue, 11 Sep 2001 16:18:11 -0700 Tia Leschke <leschke@...>
writes:
comes from morons?~~~~
I sent my Soul through the Invisible,
Some letter of that After-life to spell;
And by and by my Soul returned to me,
And answered, "I Myself am Heaven and Hell." -- The Rubaiyat
is a penalty, or should I say consequence to not being a productive
member of the family. The consequence is loosing the perks of being a
contributing family memeber. Things like will others do thing for you if
you are not doing ANYTHING for the family.
Bridget
On Tue, 11 Sep 2001 16:18:11 -0700 Tia Leschke <leschke@...>
writes:
>is
> It seems to me that the crucial difference between these two families
> that one of them has penalties of some kind for not doing thechores/toilet
> cleaning/chutes and ladders/whatever you want to call them, and theother
> one doesn't.~~~~If electricity comes from electrons...does that mean that morality
> Tia
>
> Tia Leschke leschke@...
> On Vancouver Island
comes from morons?~~~~
I sent my Soul through the Invisible,
Some letter of that After-life to spell;
And by and by my Soul returned to me,
And answered, "I Myself am Heaven and Hell." -- The Rubaiyat
Karin
> Our goals are not to have well trained little maids running around pickingone
> up after us but to help out because it is everyone's responsibility. If
> of them is supposed to do the dishes so their dad can make dinner when heYou may not consider this to be helpful advice, but the way that we have
> gets home then it would be considerate if they were done. Obviously we are
> doing something wrong because this isn't happening. Any suggestions and
> thoughts would be great and if you need any more details from me just ask.
>
> Thank you,
>
> Lisa
>
recently dealt with chores is not to make a big issue out of them.
A little background - I have 2 boys 9 & 11.
We've went through many "systems" designed to incorporate chores into our
daily lives as if second nature, like brushing your teeth, right? But, no
matter what chart or list or system I devised, it worked for a few days or a
week, and then completely fell apart. It was always back to me nagging the
boys to do their assigned or randomly picked work, which is just plain
frustrating as you probably know. I really hate the atmosphere that nagging
creates in a household. I don't nag at my husband, I hate to be nagged at,
and I know my kids hate it too.
The reason why I wanted my kids to do chores was because like you, I felt it
was their responsbility to help out as a member of our family. Those
old-fashioned values and all that. Believe it or not, I also felt like I was
doing them a favor by helping them learn how to "clean", so they could
function on their own as an adult and not live in filth. I had my boys doing
almost EVERYTHING. Dishes, dusting, general picking up, cleaning toilets
(FULL cleaning!), wiping bathroom sinks/counters, vacuuming, washing
windows, sweeping, etc. However, even with all my good intentions, my plans
always backfired on me. Chores always brought on feelings of resentment
between me and my kids, very similar feelings, btw, of our homeschooling
attempts and the frustrations that arose from that.
Do you know what my 10yo son actually said to me while it was his turn to do
dishes one night? He said "I can't wait until I get married so I can make my
wife do the dishes and I won't ever have to do them again!" I was shocked
and appalled that he would say that! I felt something was going drastically
wrong with my plan and teaching my boys responsibility regarding chores.
This all changed shortly after we started unschooling. I soon learned about
the unschooling lifestyle that extended beyond not doing schoolwork. I
decided to just drop chores, just like I dropped schoolwork. How did the
work get done, you might ask? Well, *I* did most of it. I just started doing
the work when I noticed it needed to be done. I let go of my expectations of
a clean house *all the time*. Many times, when I would get in a cleaning
mood and put on some music to clean to, my boys would also just start
cleaning with me, without me asking them! I'll be honest, this didn't happen
right away, but I was patient and I gave it time, just like I did
unschooling.
This is still the way our house is now. There are no assigned chores or
jobs. I'll admit I do most of the work, but I *AM* the mother here. And it
is not like I feel overwhelmed with cleaning, at this point. Of course, my
DH does help me whenever possible as time permits. He does his share, too.
But I'm home much more than he his. My boys are still doing spontaneous
cleaning. They keep their rooms relatively clean most of the time. But, as
the mood hits them, they do other work, too. Last week my son actually
cleaned his entire bathroom, even the toilet, without me asking!! I also ask
them to help me with specific cleaning if there is a need, and they usually
oblige with no complaints. We are unschooling chores - it's working for us.
One more thing, we never call them chores.
Karin
[email protected]
Hi Lisa-
I have struggled with many of the same issues over the years, too. And
lately, with really trying to be less authoritative than we have before, my
dh and I have really pondered this.
This is what we're doing for now and it seems to be working okay. We got
together with the kids and talked about being caretakers of our home,
posessions, etc. in a family meeting. We brainstormed about ways to take
care of the needs of the household and of each other without being bossy.
We threw a few ideas around and then came up with this one, which is what
we're doing. We bought a white board for our hallway and we list things that
need to be done on it. Anybody can write something on the list. Then, a
couple of times a day, we all work together and choose something on the list
and do it. Sometimes we don't use the list...it's just obvious what needs to
be done. Also, many times, one of my older kids will just say...Mom, I
decided to go ahead and sew buttons on my pants and I erased it from the list.
Some families can probably just do this cooperatively, without a list. But,
having a large family like we do, we thought we'd try this first.
We don't do rewards or punishments or anything to go with the list. And the
list never really gets done. But we erase it at the end of the day, because
we all decided we like a clean slate.
Just one idea...I'm sure you'll get a bunch of good ones here.
Welcome to you!
Caro
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
I have struggled with many of the same issues over the years, too. And
lately, with really trying to be less authoritative than we have before, my
dh and I have really pondered this.
This is what we're doing for now and it seems to be working okay. We got
together with the kids and talked about being caretakers of our home,
posessions, etc. in a family meeting. We brainstormed about ways to take
care of the needs of the household and of each other without being bossy.
We threw a few ideas around and then came up with this one, which is what
we're doing. We bought a white board for our hallway and we list things that
need to be done on it. Anybody can write something on the list. Then, a
couple of times a day, we all work together and choose something on the list
and do it. Sometimes we don't use the list...it's just obvious what needs to
be done. Also, many times, one of my older kids will just say...Mom, I
decided to go ahead and sew buttons on my pants and I erased it from the list.
Some families can probably just do this cooperatively, without a list. But,
having a large family like we do, we thought we'd try this first.
We don't do rewards or punishments or anything to go with the list. And the
list never really gets done. But we erase it at the end of the day, because
we all decided we like a clean slate.
Just one idea...I'm sure you'll get a bunch of good ones here.
Welcome to you!
Caro
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
karin,
that is what i have started with my daughter. until recently i
would stay on her back to clean her room or the yard or whatever. then i
decided i would rather do it alone if it meant i was always the source of
argument. suddenly she started helping and asking how to do the things she
did not know how to do. everything isn't perfect, but it is better.
tina
that is what i have started with my daughter. until recently i
would stay on her back to clean her room or the yard or whatever. then i
decided i would rather do it alone if it meant i was always the source of
argument. suddenly she started helping and asking how to do the things she
did not know how to do. everything isn't perfect, but it is better.
tina
Lisa
Thank you all for your replies and helpful advice. It's so easy to feel that
something is not quite right but not as easy to figure out how to change it.
Listening to your varied responses has sure opened my eyes to some ways we
can alter our ADULT thinking and make our home a more peaceful place and our
children an active part of the decision making process. I had not viewed the
situation as one that should allow for a choice but I didn't grasp that I
had a choice as well. I don't know if this makes any sense to you all but it
SURE does to me.
Again thank you all for your input!
Lisa
something is not quite right but not as easy to figure out how to change it.
Listening to your varied responses has sure opened my eyes to some ways we
can alter our ADULT thinking and make our home a more peaceful place and our
children an active part of the decision making process. I had not viewed the
situation as one that should allow for a choice but I didn't grasp that I
had a choice as well. I don't know if this makes any sense to you all but it
SURE does to me.
Again thank you all for your input!
Lisa
----- Original Message -----
From: <tinkiechelle1@...>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, May 04, 2002 3:50 PM
Subject: Re: [Unschooling-dotcom] Chores
> karin,
> that is what i have started with my daughter. until recently i
> would stay on her back to clean her room or the yard or whatever. then i
> decided i would rather do it alone if it meant i was always the source of
> argument. suddenly she started helping and asking how to do the things she
> did not know how to do. everything isn't perfect, but it is better.
> tina
>
>
> ~~~ Don't forget! If you change the topic, change the subject line! ~~~
>
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> [email protected]
>
> Visit the Unschooling website:
> http://www.unschooling.com
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>
[email protected]
Our breakthrough came when Lanora and I had a heart to heart about our
goals and how to reach them. She doesn't care how messy the house is but
I am tense unless it is picked up and somewhat organized. We were able
to get a better understanding of the conflict without anger and
resentment.
One of the things I was able to get across was that if she leaves a mess
it's the same as saying, "Someone ELSE can do this." This helped her to
see how actions, like cleaning up after yourself, can communicate caring
and cooperation.
Both children know that if they want me to take them somewhere or play a
game with them I'm much more available if I have help around the house.
Kris
________________________________________________________________
GET INTERNET ACCESS FROM JUNO!
Juno offers FREE or PREMIUM Internet access for less!
Join Juno today! For your FREE software, visit:
http://dl.www.juno.com/get/web/.
goals and how to reach them. She doesn't care how messy the house is but
I am tense unless it is picked up and somewhat organized. We were able
to get a better understanding of the conflict without anger and
resentment.
One of the things I was able to get across was that if she leaves a mess
it's the same as saying, "Someone ELSE can do this." This helped her to
see how actions, like cleaning up after yourself, can communicate caring
and cooperation.
Both children know that if they want me to take them somewhere or play a
game with them I'm much more available if I have help around the house.
Kris
________________________________________________________________
GET INTERNET ACCESS FROM JUNO!
Juno offers FREE or PREMIUM Internet access for less!
Join Juno today! For your FREE software, visit:
http://dl.www.juno.com/get/web/.
Defend Your Dollar
I recently started a free online course called "How To Provide A High
Quality Homeschooling Education On A Budget."
The first 5 lessons focus on organizing, balancing everything and learning
how to make chores fun for children so they will be more apt to participate.
There's lots of links to free printables and chore charts to help plan out
the tasks as well as info on age appropriate chores and rewards...if that's
the road you want to take. For us, the reward is simply feeling good about
contributing to the family but I can understand paying for chores completed
too. It all depends on each family's approach.
Feel free to check it out,
http://class.universalclass.com/frugalhomeschooling
Crystal McNerney
Sign up for my FREE Homeschooling On A Budget Newsletter
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HS-4-LessNewsletter
Message: 3
Date: Sat, 4 May 2002 18:50:03 EDT
From: tinkiechelle1@...
Subject: Re: Chores
karin,
that is what i have started with my daughter. until recently i
would stay on her back to clean her room or the yard or whatever. then i
decided i would rather do it alone if it meant i was always the source of
argument. suddenly she started helping and asking how to do the things she
did not know how to do. everything isn't perfect, but it is better.
tina
Quality Homeschooling Education On A Budget."
The first 5 lessons focus on organizing, balancing everything and learning
how to make chores fun for children so they will be more apt to participate.
There's lots of links to free printables and chore charts to help plan out
the tasks as well as info on age appropriate chores and rewards...if that's
the road you want to take. For us, the reward is simply feeling good about
contributing to the family but I can understand paying for chores completed
too. It all depends on each family's approach.
Feel free to check it out,
http://class.universalclass.com/frugalhomeschooling
Crystal McNerney
Sign up for my FREE Homeschooling On A Budget Newsletter
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HS-4-LessNewsletter
Message: 3
Date: Sat, 4 May 2002 18:50:03 EDT
From: tinkiechelle1@...
Subject: Re: Chores
karin,
that is what i have started with my daughter. until recently i
would stay on her back to clean her room or the yard or whatever. then i
decided i would rather do it alone if it meant i was always the source of
argument. suddenly she started helping and asking how to do the things she
did not know how to do. everything isn't perfect, but it is better.
tina
Julie Stauffer
<<but what if no one wants to feed the animals?>>
First, before we ever get animals, we talk at length about what is required
to properly care for them, how much time it takes, etc.. We also talk about
who exactly is expected to do what, and about how an animal is like having a
baby, it is entirely dependent on you for its life.
My oldest kids are 11 and 9 and have been fully responsible for their
animals for the last 3 years. They currently have 3 goats, 6 rabbits, and 5
dogs between them. We occasionally have the days where Zach and Adriane
balk about something, like who should get the can opener, and the animals'
feeding is delayed. I simply make an analogy of dh and myself acting that
way when it came time to feed the baby and ask what kind of parents do they
think we would be.
Of course, I also have goats, rabbits and dogs so the kids usually come
along to do their feedings while I'm doing mine. And I do think modeling
plays a big part.
However, I do have to say that if we had an animal at our home that no one
was willing to be responsible for, I would think I owed it to the animal to
find it a different home. Not as some punishment to the child, but just as
a karma-tao-spirit in the sky thing.
Julie
First, before we ever get animals, we talk at length about what is required
to properly care for them, how much time it takes, etc.. We also talk about
who exactly is expected to do what, and about how an animal is like having a
baby, it is entirely dependent on you for its life.
My oldest kids are 11 and 9 and have been fully responsible for their
animals for the last 3 years. They currently have 3 goats, 6 rabbits, and 5
dogs between them. We occasionally have the days where Zach and Adriane
balk about something, like who should get the can opener, and the animals'
feeding is delayed. I simply make an analogy of dh and myself acting that
way when it came time to feed the baby and ask what kind of parents do they
think we would be.
Of course, I also have goats, rabbits and dogs so the kids usually come
along to do their feedings while I'm doing mine. And I do think modeling
plays a big part.
However, I do have to say that if we had an animal at our home that no one
was willing to be responsible for, I would think I owed it to the animal to
find it a different home. Not as some punishment to the child, but just as
a karma-tao-spirit in the sky thing.
Julie
Gary & Lisa Williams
Yes, Jennifer and Lee~ That is how I pretty much do "chores" to. My kids
will get pretty messy in their rooms and then one morning I go in and there
is an organization party going on. Or I will hand them a few of their
clothes that have just come out of the dryer and say could you hang these
up? And opportunities to cook with me are always welcomed! My 5 year old
son wants to be a chef now. He'll say to his dad what a great dinner he
made even if it was only the chopping onion part! <g>
I know some parents that make a big deal out of the fact that their kids are
such and such an age now and by god they are going to see what it's like to
maintain a house. Chore lists, stickers, groundings, tears, etc. I
personally would never be organized enough to maintiain a chore list!
Plus I hope my kids learn to find joy in maintaining a home. Not something
to groan over. Although I am not the best, I enjoy cleaning out a drawer or
organizing a closet. I like the smell of fresh towels out of the dryer...
Well, just wanted to share, Lisa
will get pretty messy in their rooms and then one morning I go in and there
is an organization party going on. Or I will hand them a few of their
clothes that have just come out of the dryer and say could you hang these
up? And opportunities to cook with me are always welcomed! My 5 year old
son wants to be a chef now. He'll say to his dad what a great dinner he
made even if it was only the chopping onion part! <g>
I know some parents that make a big deal out of the fact that their kids are
such and such an age now and by god they are going to see what it's like to
maintain a house. Chore lists, stickers, groundings, tears, etc. I
personally would never be organized enough to maintiain a chore list!
Plus I hope my kids learn to find joy in maintaining a home. Not something
to groan over. Although I am not the best, I enjoy cleaning out a drawer or
organizing a closet. I like the smell of fresh towels out of the dryer...
Well, just wanted to share, Lisa
> Date: Tue, 13 May 2003 18:26:39 -0500I
> From: "jmcseals SEALS" <jmcseals@...>
> Subject: Re: new to group and high schoolers
>
> <<<My thoughts for the day, on a misty rainy spring day on Kauai from a
> mother
> who has just been reminded how fortunate she really is!
> Aloha, Lee>>>
>
> This works for our family as well! I am a married single parent <bg> and
> gave up chores and such a long tie ago. I find my children are much morepleasure
> willing to help and do things on their own, for their own personal
> or the pleasure of being helpful. Yesterday, Haleigh came in and asked mewe
> if I would help HER clean up the kitchen and living room! The floor was
> sticky (not uncommon here) and she wanted to sit at the kitchen table and
> draw and the living room was hiding behind a mountain of toys and pillows
> and blankets from movie night the night before. Of course, I was happy to
> help. While we were picking up, she told me she noticed how much better
> all feel when the house is clean and that she likes cleaning with mebecause
> we always end up talking about cool stuff so it doesn't even seem likea
> cleaning. I almost cried. <g>
>
> There are days when I feel like my house is consuming me. Seven kids make
> lot of messes and it is easy to feel like all I ever do is play humanvacuum
> races behind them. What helped me regain control of the house whilekid
> maintaining my sanity was placing wicker laundry baskets around to store
> stuff. The little kids don't mind helping when they know they can justtoss
> everything into a basket and go on about their business. In the evening,I
> just collect baskets and return the contents to their proper homes. Itare
> doesn't take long and it keeps the house manageable during the day without
> all the wars we used to have. Before, when I asked them to pick up, they
> would carry a toy back to their room and get side-tracked so I was
> constantly having to drag them back to task. How joyous that those days
> long gone and we can finally breath again while keeping the messescontained
> in the meantime.
>
> Jennifer
Heidi
We did a cool thing, chorewise, the other day. I make chore lists
haphazardly, with lots of energy and focus on getting the work done,
and they usually last for a couple of weeks, and we let it go. Off
and on like that, and I don't know anyone who makes a chore list, who
follows it to the T every single day.
Anyway, the other day, the house was icky. Needed a general pickup,
with windows wiped, and vacuuming. So, I wrote out a dozen chores on
little slips of paper. There are four of us, the three kids and I.
The idea was, to draw a chore, and then set the timer for ten
minutes. Each person working as fast as they could to get that chore
done, and stopping when the timer went off.
In half an hour, we got 12 mini-chores done and the place looked
pretty good. The kitchen was completely tidied and sink shiny, the
bathrooms had received a once over, front room tables were
decluttered, and the floor vacuumed "wherever people walk." IOW, not
a really thorough CLEAN cleaning job, but everything picked up. The
place looked nice when we were done. It's back to cluttered today! :)
and likely to stay that way...
Meanwhile, it was a game. We had fun, working together, racing to see
who could get the most done. We might just make that a weekly event
around here!.........for a few weeks LOL
HeidiC
--- In [email protected], Gary & Lisa Williams
<glmnw@w...> wrote:
haphazardly, with lots of energy and focus on getting the work done,
and they usually last for a couple of weeks, and we let it go. Off
and on like that, and I don't know anyone who makes a chore list, who
follows it to the T every single day.
Anyway, the other day, the house was icky. Needed a general pickup,
with windows wiped, and vacuuming. So, I wrote out a dozen chores on
little slips of paper. There are four of us, the three kids and I.
The idea was, to draw a chore, and then set the timer for ten
minutes. Each person working as fast as they could to get that chore
done, and stopping when the timer went off.
In half an hour, we got 12 mini-chores done and the place looked
pretty good. The kitchen was completely tidied and sink shiny, the
bathrooms had received a once over, front room tables were
decluttered, and the floor vacuumed "wherever people walk." IOW, not
a really thorough CLEAN cleaning job, but everything picked up. The
place looked nice when we were done. It's back to cluttered today! :)
and likely to stay that way...
Meanwhile, it was a game. We had fun, working together, racing to see
who could get the most done. We might just make that a weekly event
around here!.........for a few weeks LOL
HeidiC
--- In [email protected], Gary & Lisa Williams
<glmnw@w...> wrote:
> Yes, Jennifer and Lee~ That is how I pretty much do "chores" to.My kids
> will get pretty messy in their rooms and then one morning I go inand there
> is an organization party going on. Or I will hand them a few oftheir
> clothes that have just come out of the dryer and say could you hangthese
> up? And opportunities to cook with me are always welcomed! My 5year old
> son wants to be a chef now. He'll say to his dad what a greatdinner he
> made even if it was only the chopping onion part! <g>kids are
> I know some parents that make a big deal out of the fact that their
> such and such an age now and by god they are going to see what it'slike to
> maintain a house. Chore lists, stickers, groundings, tears, etc. Ilist!
> personally would never be organized enough to maintiain a chore
> Plus I hope my kids learn to find joy in maintaining a home. Notsomething
> to groan over. Although I am not the best, I enjoy cleaning out adrawer or
> organizing a closet. I like the smell of fresh towels out of thedryer...
> Well, just wanted to share, Lisa
>
[email protected]
In a message dated 5/14/2003 9:27:35 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
bunsofaluminum60@... writes:
stuff done, but it just isn't that much fun...this will be a great
'game'...!!!
Raydie
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
bunsofaluminum60@... writes:
> Anyway, the other day, the house was icky. Needed a general pickup,Thanks for the idea Heidi! I am going to do this today....we can usually get
> with windows wiped, and vacuuming. So, I wrote out a dozen chores on
> little slips of paper. There are four of us, the three kids and I.
> The idea was, to draw a chore, and then set the timer for ten
> minutes. Each person working as fast as they could to get that chore
> done, and stopping when the timer went off.
>
>
stuff done, but it just isn't that much fun...this will be a great
'game'...!!!
Raydie
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]