Wow. So inspirational. We do smaller things but are working up to what you have here. Really question, what do you do with all the time you now have when your kids are making the lunches or cleaning up after dinner?
Thanks Elizabeth! Even smaller things are great for kids to do on a regular basis. I truly wish I had more "free time" while they are doing chores but I'm usually just keeping up with all the other things that need to get done, just without rushing so much. After dinner while my daughter cleans up dishes, my husband and I have a few minutes to sit and talk. But otherwise, I always want my kids to see me working alongside of them and not just dishing off my chores to them. It's a team effort.
Well written and wonderful, Mollie - big believer in chores for the kids! Our boys certainly had them growing up and I think it helped them transition into adulthood easier because they knew how to do laundry, cook, clean, mow, etc.
Thanks Brooke! Yes that’s our long-term goal, to not only raise helpful and independent children but to teach them how to be sufficient after they leave our home. Glad to hear your thoughts on how it’s paid off for your family!
All so true! So crucial to include children this way, and you spell it all out, which parents today need! Wonderful!
I would add to the list: inspect. Long ago, a homeschooling veteran (they were rare birds back then! I'm not remembering her name, though... ) said: Don't expect what you don't inspect. Kids will let things slide, so every once in a while you have to circle back and inspect! and maybe make them redo it.
And every once in a while, do their chore for them. This builds a sense of charity and mercy that will manifest between them too.
Yes, so true! I like that aspect of incorporating "inspecting" in the steps, as it is all too easy for kid to take short cuts if they think they just might get away with it ; ) I am constantly making my daughter redo her bigger chores, not to be a drill sergeant, but to help her to see what good work looks like so she is fully equipped for the task. Thanks for your thoughts!
Plus…. Hi! I’m new here and just found your Substack—so good! I’m writing about the chaos and joy of virtual work life. Come say hi at The Virtual Life if you’re curious!
Wow. So inspirational. We do smaller things but are working up to what you have here. Really question, what do you do with all the time you now have when your kids are making the lunches or cleaning up after dinner?
Thanks Elizabeth! Even smaller things are great for kids to do on a regular basis. I truly wish I had more "free time" while they are doing chores but I'm usually just keeping up with all the other things that need to get done, just without rushing so much. After dinner while my daughter cleans up dishes, my husband and I have a few minutes to sit and talk. But otherwise, I always want my kids to see me working alongside of them and not just dishing off my chores to them. It's a team effort.
Thanks for the reply. I love the Saturday morning post-it routine. I think my husband will dig that idea too.
Well written and wonderful, Mollie - big believer in chores for the kids! Our boys certainly had them growing up and I think it helped them transition into adulthood easier because they knew how to do laundry, cook, clean, mow, etc.
Thanks Brooke! Yes that’s our long-term goal, to not only raise helpful and independent children but to teach them how to be sufficient after they leave our home. Glad to hear your thoughts on how it’s paid off for your family!
All so true! So crucial to include children this way, and you spell it all out, which parents today need! Wonderful!
I would add to the list: inspect. Long ago, a homeschooling veteran (they were rare birds back then! I'm not remembering her name, though... ) said: Don't expect what you don't inspect. Kids will let things slide, so every once in a while you have to circle back and inspect! and maybe make them redo it.
And every once in a while, do their chore for them. This builds a sense of charity and mercy that will manifest between them too.
Yes, so true! I like that aspect of incorporating "inspecting" in the steps, as it is all too easy for kid to take short cuts if they think they just might get away with it ; ) I am constantly making my daughter redo her bigger chores, not to be a drill sergeant, but to help her to see what good work looks like so she is fully equipped for the task. Thanks for your thoughts!
Oh I love this!!
Plus…. Hi! I’m new here and just found your Substack—so good! I’m writing about the chaos and joy of virtual work life. Come say hi at The Virtual Life if you’re curious!
https://substack.com/@hayleegernert
Saving this post! Have a couple almost-three year olds and this is an incredibly detailed and helpful explanation of how to do this well.