Little workers

My kids know how to work. They all make their own beds, dress themselves, are totally trained to pick up after themselves; dishes, clothes, toys, whatever activity they indulge in. They regularly set and clear the table, fold and put away laundry, dust, vacuum and wash the windows. They know what I expect of them, and they do it. In addition all three big kids have 1 chore they must complete daily. It is their job and they are always great about getting it done.
Our first week of summer began and they kids asked if they could have new chores. They were bored of the old ones, and well, they have grown a year and are all capable of doing more now. So I thought it was a good idea.

Trent actually asked if he could change from emptying the dishwasher to cleaning the bathrooms! Um, that was a no-brainer! So I gave him a good, detailed lesson on bathroom cleaning. I am very OCD about the way I clean, so he had a lot to learn! My favorite part was when he realized he'd have to clean the toilet and the surrounding areas that get sprayed in moments of carelessness. Needless to say, I think both boys have been aiming better ever since!

Trey has taken over the emptying of the dishwasher. On day two he emptied an entire load of DIRTY dishes!!! It was like hide and seek trying to fix that one, so gross! Today he broke his first glass cup. Poor kid was so worried. I just keep telling myself that it's worth it, he's learning to help out, he's learning to work.

Julia empties the small trashcans and now the recyling too. I knew I hadn't explained well enough when a few nights ago I spotted random boxes and plastic bottles scattered around the side of the yard, some hidden behind chairs. "More hide and seek" I thought! I was certain I had found everything, until this afternoon, when I heard glass shatterring. There's Lauren, with a glass pickle jar shattered all around her, and blood dripping from her finger. It was just a tiny scratch, nothing a little bandaid couldn't fix. She must have thought the pickle jar was going to bounce around like a ball or something. Julia was so sad to see Lauren bleeding, I don't think we'll be playing hide and seek with the recycling again. Good!

So, I'm glad to see this week has come and gone, new chores and all. Next week they won't be so new anymore, and I will have to find something else to do besides playing hide & seek!