Some of you have asked how we handle chores around here so thought I would share.  First of all, I am no example of order.  Life around here is crazy.  People often ask me “how do you do it” and I simply state the 2 word truth: “I don’t”.

Luckily, my hopeful mind keeps convincing me that I am on the verge of success so I merrily keep trying.

The children have always had daily chores such as unload dishwashers and feed animals, but the majority of housekeeping fell on me because I was too lazy to teach them. A mistake on my part because I am not superhuman and I found it nearly impossible to keep up and trying to keep up took up more energy than teaching them. Duh.

After pretty much every method of chores failed I finally resigned to the fact that I had to actually train my kids to clean if I wanted it done properly. Which takes precious time. So, this summer I trained children of all size and age to scrub toilets, vacuum, dust, wash windows and the like. It was tedious and sorely tested my patience, but it was worth it.

Each morning we pick chores out of a jar, the big kids pick 3 and littles pick 2. Sometimes they luck out and get an easy one, like wash the water fountain and sometimes they get the undesirables, like cleaning toilets. It took some time, but once they realized I was serious about this and they weren’t going to get away with chores half-done, they have turned into great little cleaners.

Another good thing about this new routine? They think a little more before making a mess because they know they are the ones cleaning it up.

I have learned that good housekeeping is about good management.

There you have it.

(What works for you? Let’s visit.)