Teach Your Kids to Work, Part VII
Look how much fun it is to hang up your own clothes!
Check out GNMParents for my latest installment. Can you believe I am still writing these things? I think I've got it out of my system for a while though and will be moving onto new topics unless anyone has any specific questions for me about teaching kids to work. I've had you ask what jobs specifically that my kids do and about all I can say is, most things terribly and few things well!
It's my nine and seven year old we are talking about and here are the jobs they do.
Daily
They clean their own rooms
Feed, water and clean up after animals
Do laundry for themselves and the whole family
Iron their own clothes, they're still not very good at this
Pick up after their little sister and themselves
Wash, dry, and put away dishes
Clean bathrooms
Clean out the van
Cook meals and clean up, we all do this together
Carry groceries in and put them away
Change diapers and feed, clothe and take care of their two year old sister when I ask
Weekly
Vacuum out the van
Sweep the front porch
Mop floors
Monthly
Clean walls
I'm sure I have forgotten some things but you get the idea. What do I do you ask? Plenty! Just supervising and teaching these activities is a full time job. Plus I do all the organizing, the deep cleaning and trying to make sure things are running smoothly. I can't tell you how much help my kids are to me though. For instance, when we come home from the store the kids bring the groceries in and put them away while I get dinner started. When they're done with the groceries they help with dinner.
The last time I had a friend over for dinner all the kids were running around playing when my nine year old came in the kitchen and said, "What can I do to help Mom?" My friend was dumbfounded and probably wondering how much I had paid him to say that!
Put this on your to-do list: Teach my kids to say, "What can I do to help Mom?" It is music to a Mother's ears!
I just want to say one more thing. My kids are not any different than your kids. They would rather be making messes that cleaning them up. Teaching them to work without complaining has been hard. I have spent many days yelling and frustrated but I am learning patience because the yelling does not work. I have seen amazing results over time as I consistently work with the kids and you can too.
Just because you are the Mom doesn't mean you have to do it all alone. Are you ready for your promotion? Then get busy and start teaching your kids to work!
Part I, Whose Job is It?
Part II, Getting Rid of the Clutter
Part III, Let Them Help
Part IV, It Takes Time
Part V, Work Together
Part VI, Learn to Practice
Part VII, Make it Easy
Part VIII, by the Gallagher Boy
Labels: GNMParents, Teach Your Kids to Work
posted by The Lazy Organizer @ 4:05 PM
13 Comments
13 Comments:
I just have one question after reading all your articles.
Have you considered writing a book about this?
I just have to say, that was a great series of articles! I've read them as you posted them, but just read them all at once... very helpful- I have a 3 yo I'm working with right now. ;)
Yet another great article! You have a very enjoyable easy-to-read writing style.
she is a cutie pie!
my 2 year old is responsible for getting those dang on legos off the floor. mommy doesn't want to say ow anymore! that's the motivation for him. hey, whatever works! :)
Lara,
like always I LOVE this post! I get great ideas from you and I love this series. It is really a big help. And seeing pics of your little ones is always a joy!
I have had all the plastic cups in a bottom cupboard . My two year old is now able to help put away the glasses because he can reach them. I am considering moving all of the plates down lower as well. Other people will think it strange but if it makes it easier for a little one to help than it is worth it.
Do you sort levis differently than your other darks? I have never used one of the sorters because I sort by levis, darks, medium, lights and whites and towels. Unfortunately, I have light towels and dark towels. That may have to be changed for my sanity!
Hello, accept my large applause.
New here...came across to your blog while. was searching organizing blogs...Just wanted to say hi...
I liked the way organized your kids...I bet your friend might be surprised with "What can I do to help mom?". You are right yelling will not work with kids but praising will.
Self Help Zone
I just moved to a new apartment with my roommates and the storage is much more limited than our previous apartment. I am in desperate need for some organizing help and your site helped drastically. Gave me lots of good ideas. Thanks!!!
Maybe my next smart habit will be to teach my kids to say, "Mom, what can I do to help?" I would love that.
When we come see you in July, maybe the good manners of your kids will rub off on mine :) !!
Nothing brings me more joy when Jake gets the Dustbuster out and cleans up the table, chair, and floor after a muffin. He gets so excited!
I just wanted to let you know that I tagged you for a meme, too!
My 3 year old now makes her own bed (mostly) and she is responsible for her room. Little by little I am teaching her other things around the house and she loves it. Thanks for all the articles.
my kids are willing to help when asked - well sort of - and know better than to stomp too loudly when told but i never thought about making daily/weekly chores/jobs for them. just another part of my life that needs sticking too. i bookmarked this to return to in the very near future to read your series from the beginning. i have a BIG hunch it will be a huge help to me. thank you thank you thank you!
Your kids change the youngest's diaper???? Wow I'm impressed!
I'm guilty of not making my kids do enough and need to kick it up a notch for sure.
Laura
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