Who We Are

When I had my first two children, I could handle everything on my own and had a certain level of perfection. I could cook, clean, do laundry. I could wash, feed, diaper, dress and burp babies, only to start all over again. I was keeping it all up, but I was exhausted. Then came baby number three, with mommy starting to drown when Daddy said, "No more of this, the kids are going to do some chores." Well, I balked at his idea, thinking I could surely do a better job than a 4 and 2 year old. What could they possibly do that would be helpful?

They started with the garbage and feeding the animals. They put away the plastic cups and plates on a lower shelf just their height. They dusted and learned to fold laundry. Vacuuming started soon after. Well, it sounds lovely, but in reality, it took a lot of instructing and secretly cleaning up after them. There were more spills of dog food that had to be swept. There were more little garbage cans that needed to be fished out of the great big one, plus all the garbage that missed the can. There was more water on the floor than in the sink when dishes were washed. There was a flood when the kitchen got mopped, and don't forget the slipping and sliding around fun that they always had in the middle of it. There was laundry strewn all over as the folding turned to medieval warfare. They vacuumed up myriad of Legos and strips of carpeting.

It actually was more work for me in the beginning than if I had done it myself. But, due to my husband's perseverance in telling me that it would pay back someday, and instilling consistency, my children are now able to help tremendously around the house. All I have to do is write it down what I need on a list for each one, and the chores get done and get done well. Not perfectly, but well. Not only has my level of perfection decreased a little, my own workload has decreased as I am now able to delegate most of the housework.

Requiring chores of your children is a good way to prepare them for life. We start out with small easy things, then work towards more lofty goals. But in the end, we will have reaped a harvest of helpers if we can persevere through the learning years. Besides, our higher goal is to have children who serve God, and to reach that goal, we must teach them to be joyful servants of their families.

"But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many." Matthew 20:26-28

"...by love serve one another." Galatians 5:13b

Serving with you,
Deborah

So we all agree - chores are important! The Schoolhouse Store offers a couple of excellent resources to help you as you train your children in these important life skills.

Our popular Clean N' Flips walk children visually and systematically through the cleaning process. Pictures clearly identify tasks to be completed - everyone from pre-school to high school can easily follow along. Complete the task and flip the page. No more, "Oh, I forgot. . . !"  This product is available in the two chart set or you can purchase the Zone Cleaning (with customizable daily/weekly jobs) and Bedroom Cleaning charts separately.

 The Choreganizer helps children keep track of which chores they have to do and which are completed. With 48 colorful chore cards (plus blank cards to customize) and Mom Money and Dad Dollars for incentives, children are encouraged to work without complaining as they earn treats from the Chore Store.

- Dena