I have so much to do, that I have a hard time with house work. Not that I can't do it, but with so much other stuff going on, it is easy to put on the back burner - ESPECIALLY the boys rooms. No one usually gets a glimpse of them, so it is easier to hide.
Well, this weekend, I had enough. We cleaned up and then I asked them how much better it was clean as opposed to dirty. They said it was way better, so I made them a checklist.
Feel free to print it off and use it for your children, if you like. I printed it off and hung it above the light switch. That way, they can not miss it when they turn off the light to go to bed.
They are excited to try and keep it up. This will help me since I cannot do it all, and they are definitely old enough to do it.
I'll let you know how it turns out. *wink wink*
Good for you! One day your daughters-in-law will thank you!
Posted by: Sylvia/Georgia | June 05, 2011 at 08:19 PM
I tried some of the same techniques with my two boys when they were younger. The only real cure is for them to move out - then they don't have Mom to do it for them.
I'm in the same boat as you when it comes to cleaning the house. There's always something else - anything will do - that I would rather do!
Posted by: Pamela | June 05, 2011 at 04:22 PM
Julie, You are doing such a great job with those boys! Keep up the good work. Congrats on the house You are going to build, I have no doubt You will do it!!!!!
I had one neat child and one slob. Of course the youngest (slob) always managed to get Dad or big sister to do her room, etc. When they got into school and I worked outside the house things changed...If I came home and the kitchen was messed from earlier I would just go to My room and read. One day they asked what was for dinner and I told them that if I was going to come home and cook it better be cleaned because I wasn't going to clean, cook and then clean again. They tried to get away with it a few more times and then that problem was resolved! Stay on the boys (it doesn't seem to be necessary) they will grow into good men like their Dad was!
Posted by: Linda Henry | June 05, 2011 at 03:04 PM
Julie mine are 23 and 25; they are both home for now (DS is looking for a house as we speak -- starts his PhD next month). They always manage #1 and #4, but I'm not sure about the others -- they do their own laundry so it's hard to tell! :)
Posted by: Queen Mary | June 05, 2011 at 02:39 PM
Hi Julie,
Great idea! You are doing such a good job training your boys!!!
HUGS,
Linda
Posted by: Linda L | June 05, 2011 at 02:35 PM
I like that you made the list simple and limited. I think that is important for them. What a good Mom you are! Someday their wives will thank you for teaching them these responsibilities. :)
Posted by: Gabby | June 05, 2011 at 12:37 PM
Great idea, Julie!
Posted by: Lisa Brown | June 05, 2011 at 10:08 AM
You are SO RIGHT! Children can always help, from an early age. I always told mine that you have to help, not for an allowance or other reward; but just because you are part of the family!! It was a struggle (we had 4 boys), but they are all grown today and are GREAT at cleaning and they know how to do everything! They can cook, clean thoroughly, etc. Believe it or not, one of their wives had NEVER vacuumed when they got married. Her Mom did everything for her; she didn't know how to do anything! Moms are doing their children no favors by spoiling them with "maid service". You are awesome, Julie!
Posted by: diane mcvey | June 05, 2011 at 09:05 AM
Excellent idea.... FOR MY HUSBAND!!! LOL!
Posted by: Joan | June 05, 2011 at 08:32 AM
My youngest child was terrible about putting clothes in the hamper. I think he was about 11 or 12 and I decide I was tired of nagging about it. I showed him how to use the washer and told him he had to do his own laundry. Turned out to be a great idea. I soon had his older sister doing her own. These are skills children need to learn to live on their own so why not start them early.
Posted by: Carol B | June 05, 2011 at 07:49 AM
My granddaughter (16) is sitting here. I said to hubby I think I will print this list and add - all dirty dishes to the kitchen in the dishwasher - to this list. Emily said are you talking about me? I said yeah! lol My kids always helped clean up, but my daughter is lax in letting her kids have messy rooms. Pappy and Nanny are always telling them about it, but at 15 & 16 they should not have to be told constantly! Thanks for sharing this idea. Good luck with all you are trying to do! Hugs!!
Posted by: Becky Jo | June 05, 2011 at 07:34 AM
I have always told the boys and the grandchildren, everyone needs to help in a home or it doesn't work. Hope the list works.
I just mentioned to my hubby that you were going to build a house. He said " you know after what she has accomplished already, she will do it". Take care. Hugs n' Stuff, Lynne
Posted by: Lynne Hurlburt | June 05, 2011 at 07:08 AM
I know very well what you are going through and I know that you are on the right track.Not only does it give your children a sense of responsibility but they also learn to be part of the team. I had six kids at home and a fulltime job but they all contributed to the running of the home. Now they all have families of their own and were well prepared. I did at one time have a rota of jobs to be done but this fell apart when they were in their teens because swapping job because of dates etc caused chaos so it was back to individual chores directed by Mum. Hugs Barbara.
Posted by: Barbara | June 05, 2011 at 04:32 AM