Forum Thermomix
Welcoming Center, Management and General Chat => Chit Chat => Topic started by: dede on March 07, 2012, 10:16:02 pm
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I'm after some advise on trying to get my family to help me out more.
I think the main problem is me (yes me) I have always done everything and my lot are so used of me doing it all that they just don't think that maybe I need some help (especially at the moment)
I was thinking of setting up some kind of reward system where I would give ticks for every time someone does something for me (like making their beds, putting clothes in the laundry, drying up, mowing the lawn, taking the rubbish out etc etc)
And once they have so many ticks then I would give them a reward of some kind.
But does giving rewards like this just create greedy kids that will only do something if they are rewarded?
I'm just getting frustrated at trying to do everything (that takes me 3 times longer) on my own and no one seems to care to much. I'm exhausted at the end of the day.
Or am I just being too fussy and should turn a blind eye?
Any advise?
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Dede, your kids need to help you, especially at the moment.
I think it might be a god idea to have a family meeting after dinner. Explain what help is needed & where. Do up a chart & assign certain duties to everyone. If they are happy with their jobs keep them if not rotate them each week. These are standard jobs. Now once they are completed there could be reward chart for "extra" help.
This way they know that regular jobs are part of being a family member, extra jobs are rewarded. All the jobs you mentioned should be regular apart from mowing the lawn, this would be an "extra" job etc.
Hope this helps
H :)
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I think it might be a god idea to have a family meeting after dinner. Explain what help is needed & where. Do up a chart & assign certain duties to everyone. If they are happy with their jobs keep them if not rotate them each week. These are standard jobs. Now once they are completed there could be reward chart for "extra" help.
Exactly what I would suggest.
Unfortunately kids do take for granted what the Mums do for them, and the household.
.....and dede.....you have sooooo many extra heads in your house.....I could only imagine the work load :o
Have your round table discussion, work together a roster system, and take away privileges if they don't tow the line......you need the help.
Good luck :)
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My kids have basic jobs that are expected, ie keeping their rooms tidy, making their beds etc.I also make them wipe down their sinks after they have cleaned their teeth because dried up toothpaste makes me feel sick lol. We also have a rota of three jobs which they do for a week and then they swap to the next job. These jobs include setting the table, taking the bin out to the big bin and also feeding the cats and scooping the litter trays when needed. My kids are 9, 10, and 13. I also expect them at times to help me hang out or bring out the washing. They also help me sort it and put away their own clothes. My boys (the younger ones) are even good at vacuming their rooms.
It probably sounds like I make them do a lot but it isn't. I grew up doing nothing at home at all, maybe tidying my room but that is it. I believe that in a family every one needs to pitch in and I want to make sure my children especially my boys know that. I don't want them to get married (if that is what they choose) and be hopeless around the house (like my brother in laws). I am lucky my hubby because he will do anything or everything, whatever is needed surprisingly considering how his brother and father are like, but I think that is why he is like he is.
It takes work to get them to do this because I think if you have done everything for them they will still expect it. Make sure you stand strong and insist that they do their jobs. Start out with easy things and once they get into the habit of doing those jobs add extra. Be preapared for whinging!
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Thanks guys. I will have a discussion with the kids tonight and see if we can come up with a plan. They can be good at times (especially DD (12) ). But I think that they just take me for granted.
I'm certain a lot of its my own fault cause I am so fussy around the house. I find it hard to turn a blind eye to half done jobs. I'm forever redoing what everyone has tried to do.
Like when my DH makes the bed I always go back to it and straighten it up cause it annoys me when the pillows aren't sitting right or the bedding has creases in it. But a half done job is better than not done at all.
I will do up a non reward roster and a reward roster today and see what I come up with.
Even without being on crutches they need to help me more.
I hate yelling and I really don't want to go on strike as I would be really unhappy if everything was a disaster zone.
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Dede, I am sure they will understand. God luck
Ds does jobs, not to my standard but he does do them. I just say thanks, well done etc.
Having eb was a great eye opener, he would willingly hang out washing, bring washing in, do any job you asked him to do. No fuss at all.
My weakness is cooking, I should get ds involved more, but the messssss,LOL
H :)
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Great suggestions there for you Mandi and I totally agree that how we mold our children, boys especially, will be a great asset for them (and their future wives). In our era, boys and men generally did no 'female' work, only the outside jobs but times have changed and you find the younger generation expect their men to do as much around the house as they do (now who was I only saying that to the other day ;) ;)). Us Mums have to train them and train them well for their future roll as a caring & sharing husband - not to the extreme where they do all the jobs though (I've seen that too!!).
I would get DH on side with this family discussion too - let him know how you are feeling and that you will need to get paid help in if the family don't lift their game. This can work too if everyone thinks they are going to get a reduction in pocket money and treats because the extra money has to come from somewhere. I once threatened exH that I was going to get a window cleaner in (a whole $3 but that was 40 years ago) and he jumped too very quickly and did them for me LOL. Unfortunately that can't work with current DH so I do have to pay one as I simply can't do everything that needs to be done.
Good luck Mandi, we are totally behind you on this one. :-*
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That sounds like a great idea dede. If I may add a couple of comments. It would be great if they could 'choose' their jobs from those that need doing. That will give them some ownership. If no one selects a job well they have to do it until the rotation.
Probably most of all ,is try to live with the way they do the jobs. eg the beds may look very wrinkled, the dishes may not be totally dry, they may have missed parts of the floor when they swept. This will be hard but you will have to try and over look it. Even now when my DH does jobs I cringe but don't criticise as he'll never do it again. eg I HATE the way he hangs socks on the line.
Good luck.
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Good luck Dede. lots of great suggestions. I think you have identified why they arent helping as much as needed. It is hard to see jobs half done! My kids from 14 did their own washing and ironing. They were expected to help in the kitchen and on weekends clean, vaccum and tidy their rooms and bathrooms etc from a much younger age. Often, it wasnt too the standard I would have liked, but I bit my tounge and tried not to say anything!
This sounds the ideal time for the family to step up to the mark and you perhaps turn a 'blind eye' occassionally, and establish this as a habbit. Dont know how you do everything, mothers with large families and occupations are amazing ;D
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Lol cookie. I'm the same. When DH hangs clothes on the line it does look quiet funny. But I dare not say anything or he will never do it again.
I do usually mow the lawns my self because I am particular on how they are done, but that is definitely some thing I can't do (not that I have tried :) ).
I have managed to vacuum and mop, make beds, sweep, cook, wash up, dust, hang clothes on the line and do my framing. But I am just exhausted at the end of the day because of the extra effort to do everything and end up in bed extra early.
I was brought up doing heaps of jobs as a kid, especially on a farm there are lots of things that need doing all the time. I even had to milk a cow (god my kids would die if they had to do that).
And around here I do everything inside and out. My DH dosnt do much around the house unless I book him in to do it, he's always away either at work or on his farm.
The only thing I refuse to do is use a chain saw (if I started doing that I would have to cut all our own wood too) lol.
If anything needs repairing then it's usually me that fixed it.
So there is my biggest problem is that I do to much and they all take advantage of it.
Oh I have had my big winge for the day. Better get this roster sorted out now.
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I better add that I do love being independent and I very very rarely ask for help. I am also very impatient so usually don't wait for help either. So I guess a lot of it is my own fault.
And I do love my family very much, but they do frustrate me often. :)
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Great Idea about a roster Dede.
My kids help hang out the washing, fold clothes and put them away at 6 & 7.
I just started a reward chart for 5
5 jobs,
5 days per week
for $5.
folding clothes, tidying up toys, cleaning rooms, feeding chickens, help hanging up clothes, take rubbish out, pick up towels ect.
Robyn ;D
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Now is the perfect time for the kids to step up and help out. It's hard when you have particular ways of doing things but they will learn and get better at it. These are all important life skills. I'd just put a list of jobs on the table and get the kids to decide/negotiate with each other what they will do to contribute. My friends do this at the start of every week and their primary school kids have developed great communication skills and can negotiate better than a United Nations Representative. Actually it's a bit intimidating.
Rather than reward individuals, maybe you could have a family reward, get the team/family spirit going.
Good luck :)
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Dede, don't be so fussy.
Appeal to their better nature, a few tears might help.
Jobs for all, let them choose.
Don't be afraid to sit and watch them work
Rewards?????
yes , i was a tough mum. Like you, worked long hours, stressful job.
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Hope they listened and are willing to help out dede... If that doesnt work then go on strike and try your ardest not o cave in!
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"oh mum you over reacting" DS 16
" you'll be right" DH
" I always help" DD 12
" Do we get money" DD 8
" or chocolate" DS 5
(nothing) DS 14
They didn't seem to take me seriously so I said
"if you don't help me out then I will go on strike and you will have to do everything your self "
"ok ok we will help" DH
" can I get money off my board?" DS 16
" No " Me
" well I'm not helping " DS 16
" well I'm not feeding you or doing your washing then " Me
" ok I will help" DS 16
This could take awhile I do think.......sigh
I did have some helpers last night from the younger children who cleaned up after dinner. And DH bathed the kids and made me a drink.
Time will tell I guess. I don't think it will happen over night, hopefully by the time I get this plaster off then things will be better.
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Hang in there Dede, you are doing great.
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Hang in there Dede, this is where you now have to be strong!!
The main thing is to ASK them to help you. Don't expect them to know where you are needing help as they just simply won't ... ESPECIALLY DH and DS's!!!!... they are exceptionally good at turning blind eyes :-)) :-)) :-))
If they have a whinge etc then just gently remind them of all you have done for them for the last x amount of years and you are asking for a little bit of help for a little while ... (so if it continues after your foot is better all the better for you lol).
The hardest part is accepting that a job half done is always better than not done at all and eventually they do get better at it. It took me years of self restraint not to go behind my lot and "fix up" after them. I just remind myself that when I have to do it next time it is only half the work for me to do it.
I am a hard/mean mum and all of mine have had chores from little (been expected to make their beds from the time they go to kindy which is 4 here) and even DS 21 and DS 19 who work full time still have chores to do in the house to help me out AND have to pay board.
Thinking of you, knowing how much you have on your hands. :-* :-* :-*
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Well I chucked a wobbly this-morning and walked (hopped out) and left DH to organize the kids for school.
I though it was no good just sitting in another room listening to the mad house so I got in the car and drove to bunnings where this lovely lady helped me get a washing trolley (DH was supposed to go buy me one yesterday afternoon but didnt)
By the time I got back (now) everyone was gone to school/work and the house is not to bad. Beds are made , dirty dishes are washed etc. and now I can peg clothes on the line (well once I put the trolley together) ...... Maybe just maybe I'm getting through to them
6 weeks to go.........sigh
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Keep up the good work, stay strong, keep reminding them to help.
Maybe you can turn some jobs into a game, ie set the kitchen timer and see who can make their beds the best in 5 mins. or have a rewards chart for standard/everyday jobs that everyone must do (make bed, put dirty clothes into laundry etc) and if they get done without asking whinging then at the end of the week offer a reward for the one with the most ticks.
My nephew complained about his board once too often so he didn't have to pay, instead he had to live like in a shared house. Pay his share of the rent and other bills, buy his own food, cook for himself, do this own laundry etc. He soon realised that board was cheap.
Have started training my two early. DD (19 months) helps feeds the chooks and helps pick up her toys. DS (4 months) trying to get him to help by sleeping through the night.
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Dede, you obviously did the right thing by walking out on them. This may be the only way to get things moving and then perhaps they will take you seriously, good move on your part.
They may dislike you in the short term but will remember this experience down the track when all these jobs will be on their own plates when they will also be trying to get their children to help out around the house.
Because you are such an efficient person they are all just taking you for granted because everything is done for them, this little lesson is something that needed to happen for all of you. Keep it up girl, if you weren't there (God forbid) they would have to cope on their own.
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Well I have put the washing trolley together and got one load on the line, one more to go.
I have wrote a list of jobs that need doing in the next couple of days and will get each family member to choose one job to complete for me.
One job I really need done is my path to the clothes line has chook poo on it because the kids keep letting the chooks out and it needs washing down because I am finding it hard to maneuver the trolley and crutches around the poo so I'm not taking poo back inside.
As I think of jobs I will write it down. I need one of those magnetic white boards so I can write it nice and big so all can see what needs doing and cross them off when it's completed. Was thinking I could write on my freezer with a white board pen then they couldn't miss it. But I don't want to leave any permanent marks on the freezer. Would that work?
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I used my blue whiteboard marker on an inconspicuous part of the fridge to test your theory Mandi and then wiped it off immediately with a damp cloth quite easily. Don't know if it would be harder to get off if it was left longer though and don't think I would chance it on the front of the fridge just in case it didn't. That is unless someone else has done it before and had no problems with the removal. I'd just find a big piece of paper and use magnets to attach it to the front of the fridge.
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Thanks Judy. I decided not to risk it. Will try what you said with the paper. If its nice and big they won't miss it and just maybe things will get done.
Faffa is right that unless I tell them what needs doing they will never see it. If I threw a screwed up piece of paper on the floor where it was highly visible they would step over it 100 times and still not pick it up to put it in the rubbish.
I'm confident that if it's in writing that it will get done sooner or later.
Thanks everyone for your advise. Muchly appreciated.
Mandi.
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Oh and Judy thanks for trying the white board marker. I am so glad it wiped off for you. I would of felt terrible if it stayed there permanently.
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Stay strong Dede. You've made a good start. Just remember that for the first three months of any change we as individuals make, those around us will try very hard to bring us back to what they know as the 'norm'. After that, if you've stayed strong in your change, that should become the new 'norm'. That's the psychology of it anyway - hope it works!
Going out was a great idea. The best way I've ever found to get DH to know what is required at home and with getting the kids and school routine organised is to head out of town for a few days on a work conference or family visit. That way, I'm not around to judge the efforts or to try to step in and hold it all together as the morning routine crumbles around them. A couple of days of chaos means he and the kids get sorted on what they need to do to get to school/work/after school activities/homework, etc.
We also have a morning job sheet that the kids have to mark off each day. I print it out each week. While they don't get paid for those chores, they do get a 10 cent a day bonus at the end of the week if they have finished everything by 8.30am each day. If they don't finish on time, there is no money for that day. If they are running so late that they miss the bus and I have to drive them to school, then they have to pay me 10 cents per occasion.
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I won't recommend writing on the freezer with a whiteboard marker. I write on my fridge and the first few times it comes off easy but then it starts to leave a blue stain. Even with metho it still stains now.
I write all the appointments, birthdays etc on there so my DH can see them, even then he still misses it. If he is invited anywhere etc he now checks to see if anything is on the fridge that will clash. Has only taken 8 years but we are slowly getting there.
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The children will get better at the chores the older they get and if you aren't too critical (then they think they will never be able to do a good enough job).
It depends what is really important to you too. For me it is bed making (I'm a nurse and like a well made bed - hospital corners - closed end of pillow slip to the door). I showed my children how to make the bed properly for the first few times and even now DS 22yrs makes a great bed and folds a lovely fitted sheet. I was a tough mum.
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Lol, well I like a neat bed but certainly not hospital style. As long as everything is pulled up neatly and tucked in I'm happy.
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Hang in there dede. Even if you have to go outside and refuse to come in while they do the jobs. Tough love never hurt anyone and your recovery may be longer if you don't take care of yourself now.
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Good on you Mandi for leaving them to fend for themselves this morning. You need to sit back for a bit and rest up.
I don't have any kids and I have a partner who is very handy and helpful around the house. I probably can't even comprehend the amount of work five kids would make and the amount of food needed to feed them. I'd probably faint if I saw how much washing you have :) So I'm probably not the one to give you advice
But I'd hit them were it hurts, their stomach! Stop providing all those lovely meals and treats you make.
I'd also stop using the term "helping me" (you didn't create all the washing, sleep in all the beds, eat all that food, use all those dishes etc).
Good luck, stay strong and most importantly take care of yourself xx
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Good point Katie, I guess it's not help me more like help them self :)
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Good point Katie, I guess it's not help me more like help them self :)
Absolutely Mandi.
I really get cranky when DH says look what I did for you (swept the floor, Hung out washing etc.) >:(
My response is. "Did for us!!"
I used to do everything and be mega fussy, But now I can't and have to accept things different to how I would do them. But I refuse to accept that it is just being done for me. >:(
We all make the work and all benefit from cleaning up.
And DH and DGS are no getting better at "putting things away, rather than putting things down"
I got tired of always having the coffee jar put on the bench rather than back on the shelf etc. Now I don't clear up and it is dawning on them it isn't fairies in the kitchen that were doing it for all these years. :D
If you stay strong now, You will benefit in the long run as what they learn now will have become second nature to them and with a bit of prompting will improve in time.
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Stay strong mandi... I think alot of dhs and kids take us for granted.. My dh always says i should be grateful because he did something for me like empty the dishwasher ggrrrrrrr and an example of totally being taken for granted was yesterday when everything had to be cleaned up and im running all over the house not only cleaning up but grtting everything organised for the party this weekend and marathon cooking as well as shopping errands et etc and my three little and big devils just sat there abd watched tv not at all phased by me running around doing everything.. I had a mini fit at them later that morning and asked dh to at least back me up in teaching the kids to be responsible for their mess not that it changed alot... Make sure you stik to your guns and dont cave as i know its not easy when you like things a certain way and just leave the house alot more to keep your sanity if it helps 😊
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I think it's an ongoing problem in a lot of families Frozzie. I have downloaded a chore chart for my iPad. It's quiet good and I can set rewards (nothing to big, but enough to give them a goal to achieve )
Hopefully this will help with getting the kids to help out. Although DS 16 doesn't seem to interested in the chore chart at all. I think maybe he's a bit old for rewards, so I will have to work on him differently with threats of not doing his washing, or not driving him about on a weekend etc etc.
There is going to be a change in this house hold if it kills me lol.
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Keep strong Dede, and if you really want to write on your freezer, put some clear contact over it. You can replace it as it needs to when it doesn't rub off as easily and when you are really finished any sticky that is left will come off with eucalyptus oil. You are doing a great job and now is the time for you family to look after you :-*
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Good idea Faffa. I knew someone would have a great idea. The big jobs I need doing will be up on the freezer for everyone to see. And the everyday chores I will have on my iPad to tick off when they are done.
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Keep strong Dede, and if you really want to write on your freezer, put some clear contact over it. You can replace it as it needs to when it doesn't rub off as easily and when you are really finished any sticky that is left will come off with eucalyptus oil. You are doing a great job and now is the time for you family to look after you :-*
I have seen stick on white boards and blackboards for sale that may work as well.
They are meant to be removable from walls without doing damage and look to be like a contact type material.
I have considered getting some for DGS bedroom wall.
Also.. We bought a fridge door from the dump :-)) to use as a magnet/white board. cost a couple dollars :D
It works really well.
DH took all the shelving lining off and used them in his shed, Cleaned it up and gave a polish with car wax. ;) and turned on its side the handle became a perfect place for the duster and markers. It is screwed onto the wall quite solidly. DGS played with it a lot.
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I I think maybe he's a bit old for rewards, so I will have to work on him differently with threats of not doing his washing, or not driving him about on a weekend etc etc.
It gets harder when they are working and paying board.
As he's too young to drive, cutting off the transport is a very smart move.
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I I think maybe he's a bit old for rewards, so I will have to work on him differently with threats of not doing his washing, or not driving him about on a weekend etc etc.
It gets harder when they are working and paying board.
As he's too young to drive, cutting off the transport is a very smart move.
Turn off the internet!! :D :D
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Faffa, another smart move - turn off the internet - unless he has a phone that goes onto the internet.
I think I'm the only one that has a mobile phone that only makes calls.
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I think I'm the only one that has a mobile phone that only makes calls.
Mine only makes calls as well,so you are not alone :D :D :D
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[Mine only makes calls as well,so you are not alone :D :D :D
[/quote]
Well that's reassuring - was going to give the phone up altogether, although DH thought I may need it as I'm a shift worker.
Have done shift work all my life - haven't used it yet.
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Turning off the Internet is a great idea too. Lots of threats I can use to make him help out. :)
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Faffa, another smart move - turn off the internet - unless he has a phone that goes onto the internet.
I think I'm the only one that has a mobile phone that only makes calls.
Yep but the phone is still limited lol and if they are hooking up to the wifi so they don't have to pay for data or use up their data, it stops that too ;)
All of mine are on their own little network so to speak (or for the techies have their own SSID's) with a password that they set. I can turn each one off individually as required. The two that are working and paying board haven't been smart enough yet to go and buy their own to stop me doing it lol ;D ;D ;D
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Removing the mobile phone is another idea.
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Removing the mobile phone is another idea.
Unless they are working and have purchased it themselves ... it gets a bit harder then. Mine have all purchased computers too as they started working when they were 14 but I still pay for the internet and power bills *insert wicked laugh here* :D
my younger ones get punished with technology free - that is if it requires a power source of some sort including batteries you are not allowed to use it - worked for their brothers too. That one packs a punch as it is very restrictive (includes things that are rechargeable too like iPods etc)
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I love the wicked laugh Faffa. :)
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Strike action is always an option ;D (even if its just for one chore ie. like either cooking, cleaning, washing, ironing)
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You went on strike last year didn't you CP? How long did you last and did it really help?
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Removing the mobile phone is another idea.
Unless they are working and have purchased it themselves ... it gets a bit harder then. Mine have all purchased computers too as they started working when they were 14 but I still pay for the internet and power bills *insert wicked laugh here* :D
my younger ones get punished with technology free - that is if it requires a power source of some sort including batteries you are not allowed to use it - worked for their brothers too. That one packs a punch as it is very restrictive (includes things that are rechargeable too like iPods etc)
Oh you are both good. Very good. My kids are both per mobile and computers. I just said no to a lot of stuff which worked for some reason. Always surprised me because in " my day" that was a challenge. I never did as I was told. Still don't.
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I think I'm the only one that has a mobile phone that only makes calls.
Mine only makes calls as well,so you are not alone :D :D :D
😄😄😄 my parents are the same.. Think they are scared of smart phones!! Especially dad..
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I love the wicked laugh Faffa. :)
Me too .. Love the power ( note to self.. Remember this for later !!) 😄
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Removing the mobile phone is another idea.
Unless they are working and have purchased it themselves ... it gets a bit harder then. Mine have all purchased computers too as they started working when they were 14 but I still pay for the internet and power bills *insert wicked laugh here* :D
my younger ones get punished with technology free - that is if it requires a power source of some sort including batteries you are not allowed to use it - worked for their brothers too. That one packs a punch as it is very restrictive (includes things that are rechargeable too like iPods etc)
Oh you are both good. Very good. My kids are both per mobile and computers. I just said no to a lot of stuff which worked for some reason. Always surprised me because in " my day" that was a challenge. I never did as I was told. Still don't.
Love it gert...having spunk and doing your own thing your own way is heaps better than doing as your told lol.. Only way to be 😃😃😃
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Well an update on what's happening in my house hold.
Everyone has pulled their socks up and are helping. Between my wobbly chucking and a chores list things are getting done. Over the weekend I have had lawns mowed, beds made, rooms cleaned, baking done, animals feed, rubbish taken out, clothed taken off line and folded and put away, floors swept etc etc. everyone is trying and helping out. (although DD 16 hasn't been here to help out)
Things are looking up. :) :) :) :) :)
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Well an update on what's happening in my house hold.
Everyone has pulled their socks up and are helping. Between my wobbly chucking and a chores list things are getting done. Over the weekend I have had lawns mowed, beds made, rooms cleaned, baking done, animals feed, rubbish taken out, clothed taken off line and folded and put away, floors swept etc etc. everyone is trying and helping out. (although DD 16 hasn't been here to help out)
Things are looking up. :) :) :) :) :)
That's good news Dede :)
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Dede, this is good. Keep it rolling.
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Fantastic news Dede :D
H :)
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Just had my BF drop in and she vacuumed and mopped the floors for me, was so nice to have someone do that for me. Would of took me twice as long.
I could of got the kids to do it for me but it's easier to do it when they are not here and it's nice to have it done thoroughly.
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The kids are doing well Mandi but I can imagine how nice it felt to have the floors done by your BF - nothing like a female touch to the housework and then a nice cuppa and a chat afterwards.
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Very true Judy. It was really nice. The house is lovely and clean, and the kids are all at school, and I am sitting back catching up on the forum news.
What else can a woman want :)
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That is all great news dede.
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Very true Judy. It was really nice. The house is lovely and clean, and the kids are all at school, and I am sitting back catching up on the forum news.
What else can a woman want :)
Now is time to get used to the feeling.
Make sure they keep up the good work even as you are getting better.
They will start to get a feeling of ownership and accomplishment and you needn't take all of the jobs back.
5 stars... *****
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:) Keep them up to the chores Dede.
My 2 want money, But the chores are getting done, so thats good.
Robyn
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Well an update on what's happening in my house hold.
Everyone has pulled their socks up and are helping. Between my wobbly chucking and a chores list things are getting done. Over the weekend I have had lawns mowed, beds made, rooms cleaned, baking done, animals feed, rubbish taken out, clothed taken off line and folded and put away, floors swept etc etc. everyone is trying and helping out. (although DD 16 hasn't been here to help out)
Things are looking up. :) :) :) :) :)
Sounds like a version of "Wife Swap" however the "old wife" hasn't gone anywhere
whichet whichet (thats the sound of a whip cracking!)
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I confess to only reading your original post Dede and not everyone's replies but have you checked out 'Planning with Kids'? It's a great blog by a mum of 5 where she shares her tips on anything and everything, chores included. She also has her own book available online and in Big W stores. Her real name is Nicole Avery and she's a woman full of commonsense, I'm hooked!
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Thanks thermie Crew for the recommendation of the Planning with Kids blog. I only have two little ones but there is some good information here to start the routines early.
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;D ;D ;D ;D wife swap ;D ;D good one CP
Ps. No good me having a whip cause I would trip my self up. But a wooden spoon does wonders ;)
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And Thermie crew that sounds interesting. Will check it out.
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I have a new member in my family, I have never meet them but they are talked about all the time and are known by the name of 'Wasn't Me'.
Who made this mess? Wasn't me.
Who took all the cookies? Wasn't me
Who broke this toy ? Wasn't me
I would love to meet this wasn't me cause they are a very messy destructive little monster. :)
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Busy little beaver that one - apparently also related to Not Me
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And 'Dont know' I believe.