Kid-Friendly Job Chart

I have decided that keeping house and home is the hardest, most demanding job there is. Honestly, there is always something to be done without ever feeling finished. It is like stringing beads with no knot at the end of the string. When you don't keep on top of every dirty sock, school notice, speck of dust, muddy paw and menu plan, you find yourself overwhelmed. At least I do.

I have also decided that everyone who is a part of the house hold should help with the work load. After all, that is how a family works right? Everyone pitches in.

I have noticed that my kids are not too quick to help out with the chores. Really, it is not even chores, it is simply picking up after one's self and being responsible. That's all I ask. I am not asking my youngins' to do the dishes or the laundry or mop the floors. It would be nice though if dirty clothes were put in the hamper instead of in a pile on the floor right beside the hamper! I would really appreciate it if toothpaste spits were rinsed down the drain after brushing instead of being caked on, over and around the sink. Putting garbage in its place after a snack is ever so helpful in keeping house.

I am tired of being a nag on these issues. I am sick of harping. I even annoy myself by giving out these constant reminders.

In an attempt to bring some order in "My Home Ltd." we have introduced incentive charts. It is a weekly contract signed by each dependant. They have four areas of responsibility, their room, their school, their family and themselves. In each of the four areas there are four responsibilities to be fulfilled. If they in fact do what is required they get a sticker for every area accomplished. At the bottom of the chart is the reward or $ that they are working towards and will receive at the end of a successful week.

So far this is working very well (even though I still have to 'remind' them of the list).

Hope it lasts.