Kids Cleaning Day

My kids have regular "chores" everyday (get dressed, brush teeth, pick up your stuff, etc.)

Then they have an "after school job" that has to be done before snack (books, toys, couches, downstairs, junk).

And we rotate through "kitchen jobs" every night (garbage, dishwasher, floor, table, food, dishes, sinks, counter).

But every Tuesday is "Kids Cleaning Day".

I have done this different ways. But, I'm kind of excited about my new plan.

Every kid has to do everything on the first list (the oldest helps the youngest).

1. STRAIGHTEN

bed (made mom's way and all toys and books off)
closet (all clothes hung up nicely, no junk on floor)
clothes drawers (they can shove their laundry in everyday except once a week it has to be straightened)
top of dresser (junk collection spot - they have to put it in their treasure box, school drawer, or garbage)
shoes (make sure all shoes are lined up nicely with matches)

After their straightening jobs are done they get to start picking out of the jar.

There are 5 jobs in each category for my 5 school-aged kids.

Each category has its own color so I can just say, go pick a blue one, etc.

2. DUST (blue)
boys room, girls room, living room, playroom, electronics

3. VACUUM (orange)
boys room, girls room, living room, playroom, stairs

4. CLEAN (yellow)
bathroom sinks, toilets, bathroom floor, mirrors, kitchen chairs

5. ORGANIZE (purple)
coloring stuff, games, books, hair stuff, toys

If they happen to pick one that they did last week, they can choose again if they want to and there are any others left. (It gives them motivation to not be the last to pick.)

I like the fact that they might have to clean their brother or sister's room. (So far no arguments there.)

This is a shorter version than what we used to do, so there are some things that are left out (under beds, doorknobs, walls, etc.)

I put those on an "extra" list so when Dad says, "ask mom what job you can do" or mom says, "that just earned you an extra job mister!", well . . . you know the drill.

I'm pretty sure I'll have to come up with something new to keep their interest next year, but so far so good.


sheesh, I guess my kids have to clean a lot!


strike that and reverse


sheesh, I have a lot of kids to clean!

Food Critics

In our home, we are constantly trying new recipes.

And in our quest for the perfect food, we are always trying to improve upon each dish.

Thus, we end up discussing what to do differently next time.

Our children have picked up on this.

Now it doesn't seem like such a bad thing.

Of course we want to improve their culinary tastes.

But, it gets awkward at times.

"This meat is a little bit dry."

"Is this what it's supposed to taste like?"

"What exactly is in here?"

"I think this needs more salt."

"You may have cooked this a little too long."

"Dad makes this stuff way better."

Totally normal comments in our "food critic" house.

But not exactly what you like to hear when eating with others.

Especially when the cooking was not done by us.


I wonder why we don't get many dinner invitations.

Sorry to Offend

Confession time.

I treat my clothes as if they have feelings.

I feel bad for certain items if I haven't worn them in a while.

It doesn't matter if I don't really like them or they don't look good.

I don't want to hurt their feelings.

I've tried the "turn the hangers all the same way" method of getting rid of clothes.

(you know at the end of 6 months or a year the hangers that haven't been turned around means you haven't worn them and you should get rid of them.)

Well, it just brings to my attention even more the ones that I should feel sorry for.

It's like getting picked last for a team.

Now, I know this is completely insane.

And, I do get rid of clothes after I keep wearing them and still can't stand them.

I just say to myself (and the clothes):

"I'm sorry but this relationship is just not good for either of us."

"It's not you, it's me."

"I'm sure you can find someone else that will be just right for you."



Am I the only one?