I was at our monthly Bunco night in the neighborhood, and I commented on the chore chart the hostess had set up for her kids (they are almost 5 and 3). The discussion turned to what chores our kids were responsible for at home. Everyone was shocked to discover Dylan's only responsiblity was to clear the table every night at dinner and help (always with MUCH grumbling) clean up his toys. Some of the moms even had their kids vacuuming and sweeping.
Of course I had to rationalize it in my mind, and one of the moms jumped to my defense.......Dylan is an only child.....meaning much less clutter and mess, I don't work, so I have plenty of time to clean and sometimes its just MUCH easier to do it myself. (being the control freak that I am ....ahem!) . BUT, I know we are not doing him any favors in the long run.
So, I came home and printed off a chort chart (he LOVED the Lego character) and we talked about adding some new responsibilities. In typical Dylan fashion, he wanted to know if his allowence was going to be increased for the increased responsibilites, so I told him we would discuss it when he turns 7 in April. So, now he has to make his bed every morning, set the table, clear the table, keep the playroom picked up every night and take a shower/tub/brush teeth quickly and without complaining. That one is not really a "chore" but we continue to have issues, so I threw it on there.
So far so good......and on the first day this is what greeted me when I saw his made bed. Be still my heart.
Vacuuming and sweeping....good grief!! At 7?? Mine actually love vacuuming - and ask if they can do it(!) - but of course I have to do it again when they have finished, doing all the bits they missed.
ReplyDeleteI have gone backwards and forwards with O over this - and with regard to pocket money too. It's a tricky one - cos like you, I want the jobs done "properly"! If she makes her bed, I am happy.
Dylan did an aweseome job though - and what a great room he has too :)
Happy Week-end!