Chores

In an attempt to regain some order around here, I have started giving the kids a list of chores each morning that must be done before they can play with friends or do fun activities for the day. Their personalities blare out loud and strong when they are asked to work.

Zach: He does his jobs immediately, as quickly as possible. He does a good, thorough job, I never have to check his work, but he will only do exactly what his list says. Nothing more. I have to list details and steps with him and if I forget something, oh well, it's not going to get done. Then he's off to do his own thing, usually read, and that's all I get out of him for the day.

Justyn: He will put his chores off as long as possible. Today he is about to puke so it really doesn't make sense to have him do his chores (rolling my eyes!). I have to keep an eye on him because he will do as little as possible and say the chore is complete. I usually have to check his work, tell him to do it again, and again, and then I usually have to redo it later anyways. If it's something outside, I can get more out of him but most of the time it's just exhausting to have him help out.

Shaelynne: She is my overachiever! I give her a list of 4 chores to do and she will do those 4 chores, plus everyone else's and then anything else she can find that needs to be done. She loves to clean! She is crazy! I have to tell her to stop and let someone else do something also. She does a really good job. My only complaint is that she is a surface cleaner. She makes things look clean on the surface but hidden in the cupboards, closets or under the beds is total chaos.

Alexys and Kate: These two usually work together--I don't know why because they fight and make each other cry all morning long. It's miserable for all of us. The reason is that neither of them like to do chores and they definitely don't want to do them alone. There is no way they are going to let the other one get away with not doing their share of the work. In the end, basically nothing gets done on their list. They are good at folding towels and washing windows. They get all the extra little jobs that don't really need done and they usually get sent outside long before they complete anything just because I need a break from all their whining and fighting. I have hope that they will someday grow out of it.

Henry: He just follows everyone around and helps out where ever he can. He usually gets the job of babysitting Justyn so that Justyn doesn't disappear during chore time. His favorite job is emptying the dishwasher, clean or dirty. He has recently figured out how to open the dishwasher so now the dishes are never finished washing and always all over the floor. He's a very good helper.

In my attempt to be a good mom, I'm finding myself exhausted. I keep telling myself, "they'll thank me for this someday" but honestly, I don't believe they ever will. I never have. I do like my clean house though, and they do too. And I find myself feeling very happy when I see my children working. Warped? Maybe.... Will they have chores again tomorrow? You betcha!