Having kids home all the time can get quite messy. Even with the help of a housekeeper, I still need to assign a lot of chores. I have found, however that lots of chores can get in the way of completing lessons. Just this morning I created new chore charts for my children so their responsibilities will be less ambiguous. I go by the school of thought that they know what is expected of them and it should be done without reminders. They however, obviously need reminding.
As I wrote out what was expected of each child each day, I realized several problems we are having.
Problem 1: Chores interfering with school work. The timing of chores, or lack of specific time to do the chores often results in a work interruption because I want something corrected or something left undone done now. I hate interrupting the kids when they are deep in thought, but I also hate it when they have not done when they are told. A lot of the time, I end up doing the chore myself and being angry.
Solution 1: Schedule chore time for first thing in the morning, at mealtimes, and at bedtime. This way they can get the chores out of the way when they are not busy learning something.
Problem 2: Children forget are forgetful by nature. This is a special kind of forgetful and not at all like parental senility. Because they speak to me as if they are adults, and are tall enough to look me in the eye does not mean they will remember to do everything they are supposed to do. Chores will go undone if they are reminded constantly. I hate repeating myself… with a passion. You can see how this will cause a problem.
Solution 2: A weekly checklist for the kids to refer to will keep me from reminding them what chores they were supposed to do today. Of course, I will still have to tell them to do their chores… or maybe I can make big signs that say “Do Your Chores”.
TO BE CONTINUED…
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