As a mom who likes things done just right, I often find myself doing most of the housework. After all, moms do it best! But with a busy schedule, fitting all the tasks into a week can be tough. I typically tackle everything in one day: bathrooms, mopping, dusting, and vacuuming. But with my kids home for the summer, they’re eager to help, and here’s why!
1. It’s Something Different! Kids love new tasks. Give them a damp towel and a little spray bottle, and they can dust anything. Turn it into a game to see who can cover the most surfaces in five minutes. Set a timer, blast some music, and watch them go. With three boys, a bit of healthy competition can be a great motivator!
2. New Tools are Fun! My boys especially enjoy mopping. We have an Easy Wring mop with a spinning feature that they love to use. They each get a room to mop, ensuring everyone has a turn. It’s a win-win!
3. Sense of Teamwork Helping around the house fosters camaraderie and teamwork. It teaches life lessons about helping others, responsibility, and accountability.
4. Checking Off the List My older boys have chore charts in their rooms with daily tasks like changing clothes, doing laundry, taking out the trash, and feeding the dog. When they complete their tasks for the day, they get a check. After earning seven checks in a week, we celebrate with an ice cream sundae party or a movie night. This system encourages them to work together for a common goal.
5. Sense of Accomplishment Kids love praise and rewards for a job well done. These simple tasks provide them with a sense of achievement and allow parents to appreciate their efforts.
Daily Chores
In the morning, my boys can play, color, draw, or read in their rooms. They have an “okay to wake” clock that turns green at 7:30 am, signaling they can come downstairs. Here’s their morning checklist:
- Make their bed (or at least pull the sheets up and tidy stuffed animals).
- Get dressed with clothes laid out the night before.
- My 5 and 7-year-olds complete pen pal work by writing letters back to me. This continues during school and helps them practice writing while sharing their thoughts.
- My 7-year-old feeds our dog, Freddie, in the morning, and my 5-year-old feeds him at dinner.
Allowance
At their current ages, my boys do not receive an allowance. We provide for their needs and wants.
Cleaning up after themselves
I am guilty of cleaning up for my boys because I will do it faster, but another lesson from Dadjogger is letting them do it, even if it takes extra time. Having them pick up their toys in the basement together even if you didn’t play with that specific toy is an important lesson to learn! Helping each other and cleaning together helps the whole family. Again, I am still evolving in this but getting closer and closer to being able to let go of that control!
Routine
Creating a balanced routine is crucial for children. As shown, our morning routine sets expectations before they leave their rooms. After school, they have a routine for homework, snacks, and quiet time. Children thrive on schedules and knowing what to expect. While we occasionally alter the plan, consistency is key to creating success for your kids.
Getting older
As my boys get older, I hope to establish a job chart that will change each week ranging with things like emptying the dishwasher, washing pots, and cleaning a bathroom. At this time they are too young for it but the simple tasks we give them now are setting them up for the chores that are to come!
Conclusion
Chores may be boring and monotonous, but working as a team makes them fun and efficient. As a mom of three young boys, I’m proud of their willingness and ability to help!