I shared a recent post about a sandwich incident with my son and the response was amazing! In fact, I had several people email and text me about how much they could relate to what I was saying. One woman actually admitted she drop-kicked a turkey out her back door after hearing her children complain!!!! (Hey, this blog is about transparency and serves as a reminder that even in our darkest mommy moments; we are stilled loved by a redeeming God! So, A-L-I is a no judgement zone!)
****
The last few weeks have been extremely draining on me. My book went live on Amazon. My website was redesigned and I am scheduling speaking events for the Fall.
I am balancing, like so many others, work and life. On top of book stuff, I am also a housekeeper, cook and taxi driver for my children. I have had a few moments where I thought I might be losing my mind. On one particular Sunday, I called my husband at his work and sobbed. I expressed how tired I was. I complained about our filthy house, our sweet but demanding children and my need for balance.
When my husband got home a few days later, we sat down and made a chore chart. Each day our children know which particular part of the house we are all going to contribute to cleaning. I must say it has cut down on the amount of time it takes to clean the entire house now. Not only did we make a chore chart, we listed other responsibilities that each child would now be responsible for managing. The consequences were laid out clearly.
The simple fact that I would turn into a psychotic rage monster if they did not complete their chores seemed motivation enough!
Did they moan and groan? Yes, they did.
Did I care? No, if I am being honest.
Am I sane? For the most part, I am!
Often times, as parents, we are so afraid that we might “take away” from their childhood by giving them chores and responsibilities, that we take on the load ourselves even though we are already strained, stressed and overworked.
Stop parents. Just stop.
Our children should be contributing to our homes. After all, they live there too. Giving chores will not take away from their childhood. It will foster independence and help them be functioning adults.
Do you really want your 40 year old son living in your basement? I don’t (and I don’t even have a basement.)
WHAAAATTTTT!??!!
Sarah, are you saying they should scrub the toilets without earning money?
Yes, I am.
Do you get paid for all the dishes you wash? How many times have you wiped up the urine off the floor because your son’s aim is waaayyyy off?
Exactly.
Give them responsibility. Give them a chance to contribute. We were all designed to need purpose and when they are little, as parents, we need to show them that one of those purposes is contribution to the family.
Like what you are reading? Want to be part of our social media communities? If so, go say hello on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
Adree says
I love this post! One of the big things kids need to learn is how to work. If we can teach them while they are young, I believe they will be more successful throughout their lives.
Joni Taylor says
I totally agree with you!!!!