Chores - Miami,FL

My girls never had so called asigned chores. They helped me with what I was donig. I had them help with the dishes, dusting, vacuuming, laundry, etc..They were responsible to clean their rooms but I always went in and helped them with it. You get a better response if it is done in teamwork instead of saying this is your chore to do so do it. Also, I do not believe in allowance or money for chores. They help make the mess so why should they be paid to clean it up? You will have far more respect if you teach them to help you and not pay them to do it. Start out by having one of them clear the table while you wash dishes and the other dry them. Or if you have a dish washer have them help put them in it. Get them involved with sorting the laundry and folding it with you when it's done. You will find it will go much easier if you have them help you instead of your demanding they do certain things. My girls used to ask to sweep the floor, etc....

first of all, stop fast typing it was hard to read. I am a SAHM too and everyone needs help with the chores. You need to talk to your kids about how it would help you out and how you will have more time to be with them. Have everyone agree to certain chores. Vaccuming, dusting, cleaning the bathroom for the older one, unloading/loading dishwasher, setting table, etc

My 6 and 8 year old boys have chore charts. In order to be able to watch TV, play the Wii, or play a computer game, their chores must be completed. Their chores include cleaning their bathroom, cleaning their room, unloading the dishwasher, taking out the trash, and vacuuming. They do not recieve any money for these chores. These are things that help our family run smoothly and they are part of the family. I do keep an on going list that they may choose from if they want to earn some money. Those jobs include: cleaning out the car, scrubbing the porch, cleaning windows, etc. It may be difficult to get started, but in the end, it will be worth it.

Good luck.

They need to keep their rooms cleaned and straightened.
This includes, clothes placed in the drawers, hanging or ready to be worn the next day hanging over the back of a chair or on the bed. Nothing should be on the floors.

Some people believe the beds should be made everyday, That part does not bother me, so that is up to you guys. ALL dirty clothes in a hamper, whether it be in the bathroom or in their bedrooms. No food or drink paraphernalia left in bedrooms.

They should be cleaning their own bathrooms. Clean all of the fixtures properly once a week.

Your 15 year old, should know how to do his own laundry. He will need to know how to do this when he leaves for college in a few years. Once you think your 8 year old can figure it out, start him on a few loads. They should fold and put away their own clothing, towels and change their own sheets once a week.

The family room should never have stuff on the floor. Video games, cases, etc, should be kept on a shelf or in the designated baskets,, Again, no food paraphernalia should be left in there.

I know it is hard to with all of their homework, sports and activities, but if there is one night each of them could straighten the kitchen, that would be a good experience for them too.

Your 15 year old could mow the lawn every 2 weeks and you all could have one day where you all deal with the yard once a month.. If all of you help and maintain this it will not take very long.

My sixteen year old son clean the dishes and kitchen after dinner (number one rule in our house is she who cooks does not clean up).

He is responsible for his room, his laundry, and the dog.

Our 9 year old daughter takes care of the cat, including litter, puts all the laundry away, clears the table after dinner and is responsible for her room.

They don't take care of their responsibilities they don't play. Anything.

Once a week we have family cleanup day and chores are rotated and distributed. My kids know how to cook (even the 9 yr.old) because I have them help me just to gain the knowledge and experience. They can clean a bathroom, vacuum, use the washer and dryer, dust, make beds, and just about any other chore you toss their way. I do it troughout the week, but everyone gets a shot on the weekends.

The way we present it is that these aren't just household or family chores, these are the chores of life. The earlier they learn to do them and the more they get used to it, the better off they will be when they have a life of their own.

Hope this helps,

L.