In reviewing 2005 and looking towards 2006 I decided it was time to change our chores routine. 

In 2005 I have had the mind set that Nomi and Daniel needed to continue on their chores (especially after Breakfast chores) until they can complete them with a good heart and in good time.  This has been a year-long project and I wonder at my method!

Not only have they not conquered their dragging their feet attitude they have not been exposed to any other chores – this is delaying their training somewhat.

New thought for 2006 – actually it made so much sense I have started it now.  This is my new chore training routine.

I have divided all the housework into 4 main areas:

– Kitchen and Cook help

– Laundry and Outside help (which includes the dog)

– Home Blessing (House cleaning!)

– Blitzing and Bathrooms

Not only have I divided the daily chores into the best time slot during the day but if a chore arises within their area I call them to help me out.  The chore times remain the same as we have always had:

– After Breakfast

– After Lunch

– 5.00pm

There are a few chores/responsibilities that are not on the chore cards

–         Joshua – before breakfast needs to deal with the rubbish and scraps

–         Jessica – before breakfast needs to deal with drinking water, and dishwasher (she also irons the kids good clothes sometime during the week)

–         After Dinner dishes – this is rotated night-by-night depending on what else is happening in our home.

–         Deeper cleaning will happen together on Friday/Saturdays

–         Chores Josh and Jess get paid for doing

The plan is to rotate each card on Monday mornings.

It has worked so well this week and I believe for these reasons

1. A change is always a good thing!  (Well, its worked in our favour this time!)
2. They have a clear direction and because it is a comprehensive list I am not asking for them to do lots extra – they know what has to be done! They are also working out systems to complete their list efficiently.  The house looks great when everyone is finished.
3. Training – the pace is intense in a sense – but relaxed – because training has to happen I keep the pace going.  No time for dragging the feet!
4. Because there are chores that kids aren’t familiar with I am up and working too – both in the training, working with the kids, but also on my own chores when I have the time in-between.  The children always work better if I am working too!
5. My children have always reported back to me when they have completed their lists.  But thanks to this blog, I have suggested that when I release them the best thing would be to see if they can help their sibling with any of their chores.  I will leave this to their heart to serve – I will just let them know of the opportunity!

So all in all, it has been a good thing to change our chore routine.  The kids are looking forward to the rotation.  The rotation will keep me on my toes, training the younger children and not relying on Jessica to do the harder jobs.  Homeblessing will truly become a family effort!