This article has made the rounds on Facebook over the years. I’ve seen it on my friends Facebook page when I creep them! It originated from a Montessori Facebook page and then was posted again in the NY Times . When you read the chores they seem pretty simple. Ok, the 2 year old carrying wood sounds odd. But I will tell you that the #SpecialKayes were carrying wood when they were 2 and 3. Don’t worry, no one gave them an axe. They wanted to help and would put the wood in our wagon. That’s it!
Most of the chores above by age seem reasonable. However, when I showed it to my eldest who is 9 she said “sure I can do that but why would I? I have you mom!” Hold on. Wait a second. Something has got to change here! Momma doesn’t want to be your personal assistant her whole life!
Ok, so here’s the plan. It’s summer time and with the kids being home it’s time to re -train the #SpecialKayes. Listen I don’t want to turn them into my little minions ( although that would be awesome!). I want to give them confidence and make them independent little girls who want to help out.
But the Chores?! Chores is such an ugly word. Did you like doing “Chores” as a kid. No way! I didn’t. Soon as my mom said it’s time to do your “chores” it reminded me of Little House on the Prairie. I would have much rather milk cows then clean the bathroom my brothers used!
Anyway, we have come up with a new name in our house. It’s not original at all. My husband and I quickly thought of tasks, responsibilities, duties. We settled on Mommy’s little helper list. Yup that’s what we’re going with! So far it’s working. The 2 youngest are on board and we just gotta convince the eldest. However, she’s on to me! She wants a reward because that’s what she’s heard you get when you do work around the house. Not sure if we will go that route. For now it’s on the list and you have to do it each week. You can trade part of your list with a sibling but it must be done by the end of the week or the whole ship goes down! All for one and one for all! They all have to check each other’s list to make sure they are done!
Am I being too harsh? No I don’t think so. They have to learn some day and one day they’ll thank me. I think?!
Do you have your kids doing tasks, chores or whatever you call them around your house? Do you reward them with money or a prize? Let me know!
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