May 20 2008
Pitching in with Housework
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Housework is a never-ending job. No matter how much you do, there will always be more to do tomorrow. You can never get caught up. So how do you make it manageable? Divide and conquer. Children as young as two can start learning to help around the house. The earlier they learn, the easier it will be to get them to continue helping around the house.
First, make a list of all the chores that need done around the house and when each needs done. Some need to be done daily, some once a week. Sit down as a family and decide who can do which job. Some people even enjoy certain jobs more than others, just as some jobs are more age appropriate than others.
Many jobs can be shared by a couple of people. Working together can make things go faster. For example, washing dishes by hand can be a long boring job. But, if two people are doing them together, one washing, the other drying, the work not only gets done faster, you have time to talk about your day together.
Other jobs, such as yard work can be a family activity. Everyone can help with a different task. Older ones can handle the jobs that require heavier equipment. Younger kids enjoy using rakes and pulling weeds. But, when pulling weeds you have to be very careful to show them which to pull and what to leave in the ground.
Organizing laundry can help reduce the workload, but only if everyone pitches in. If you set up different baskets for the whites, colors and darks and then everyone puts their own clothes in the right basket, it will help save sorting time. Each family member has their own basket for clean clothes. Once the clothes are done and folded, the baskets are put in their rooms, waiting for them to be put neatly away. By each person helping out with their own, it saves time overall.
A chore chart can be very helpful in keeping everyone on task to get their jobs done. Flexibility should be allowed, in case of illness or special school activities. Family members should be willing to help each other out to get all the jobs done. Another way to motivate the family is after a certain amount of chores are completed without having to be reminded, no arguments and done well, the entire family can have a special day. Maybe a pizza and movie night, or go bowling or something else the family enjoys.
If everyone has a part in helping keep the house in order, they feel more a part of the family. It will help instill a sense of pride and accomplishment. The skills they learn while growing up will serve them well in their future jobs and own homes.
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You made some good points there. I did a search on the topic and found most people will agree with your blog.