The weather has warmed up a bit. You know, here in Utah you can never guess the weather, it is very fickle.
We got the flowers and garden planted (my daughter is turning into quite the gardener). Now, to just get the lawn fertilized so we will be almost set for summer.
We have started a really fun thing in the neighborhood, this year. We bought seeds for those giant sunflowers - you know, the ones that grow up to 12 feet tall.
Well we have given each child in the neighborhood a seed to grow their own sunflower.
We taught each child how to plant and care for their seed and then we turned them loose.
We told the children to talk with their parents and find a really sunny spot in their yard - where the sun shines in the morning, evening and all through the day.
The kids were so excited to grow their very own sunflower. They all carefully took their seeds home to plant them.
This morning, as I was out in my yard, a lot 0f the children ran over to let me know they had planted their seed and were watering it faithfully!!!!
And I love sunflowers because they are such a bright and showy flower.
This will be so much fun. I can’t wait to walk down the street in the fall and see all of the beautiful sunflowers.
CRUELTY TO CHILDREN HOW TO TEACH YOUR CHILDREN TO WORK!
Household Cleaning Cards
Cut and laminate these cards and tape them inside a cupboard door or drawer so your kids and family can refer to them.
These cards can be very helpful for any member of the family. Each card outlines the job and gives a job description. By having these cards you family will know what is expected. When a job is completed, you can let the person in charge of that area evaluate his own work. By having these cards they can see if anything has been left undone.
Make these cards for each area or job in your home.
|
|
BATHROOM – Daily Ø Straighten towels Ø Put away clothes Ø Straighten counter; put away make-up, curling iron, etc. Ø Wipe out sink and bathtub Ø Wipe off toilet Ø Shake rug
BATHROOM – Weekly Ø Empty trash Ø Polish counter top and mirror Ø Scour tub, shower, sink and fixtures Ø Clean toilet bowl, replace toilet paper Ø Straighten towels – dirty ones in laundry Ø Sweep and mop floor
|
|
|
|
|
|
BEDROOM – Daily Ø Make bed Ø Fold pajamas and put away Ø Pick up clothes and toys Ø Take care of books and homework papers
BEDROOM – WeeklyØ Change sheets Ø Empty trash Ø Straighten closet and drawers Ø Wipe / dust dresser and around door Ø Wipe / dust window ledges of windows Ø Dust – furniture, baseboards, doors Ø Dust ceiling fan Ø Vacuum
|
|
FAMILY ROOM – Daily Ø Pick up toys, books, etc. Ø Straighten pillows and blankets Ø Stack newspapers and magazines
FAMILY ROOM – Weekly Ø Water plants Ø Clean TV screen Ø Wipe walls, base boards and around doors Ø Wipe window ledges Ø Wash windows Ø Vacuum Ø Dust bookshelves, furniture, baseboards, and doors Ø Dust ceiling fan |
|
FRONT ROOM – Daily Ø Pick up and put away anything that has been left out Ø Straighten piano books and bench Ø Vacuum traffic areas and mop entry way Ø Dust
FRONT ROOM – Weekly Ø Wash windows Ø Water plants Ø Wipe baseboards and front door Ø Wipe walls if needed Ø Shake throw rug Ø Straighten front closet Ø Straighten pillows Ø Dust furniture Ø Vacuum carpet Ø Wipe outside door Ø Wipe window ledges |
|
KITCHEN – Daily Ø Unload dishwater Ø Set table and help with meals Ø Wipe front of stove, microwave & dishwasher Ø Clear and wipe table Ø Cover leftover and put away Ø Rinse and load dishes Ø Wash and dry pans and large bowls Ø Clean and wipe down sinks, counter & fridge Ø Empty trash Ø Sweep floor
KITCHEN – Weekly Ø Clean fridge Ø Wipe out oven and microwave Ø Straighten cupboards and drawers Ø Wipe baseboards and walls Ø Mop floor
|
|
|
|
|
|
LAUNDRY ROOM – Daily Ø Gather and sort dirty clothes Ø Sew on buttons Ø Mend clothing
LAUNDRY ROOM – Weekly Ø Spot soiled clothes Ø Wash, fold, and put away clothes Ø Hang clothes Ø Ironing Ø Straighten cupboards and drawers Ø Wipe washer and dryer Ø Wipe baseboard Ø Empty trash Ø Vacuum and mop Ø Dust doors |
|
OFFICE/CRAFT ROOM – Daily Ø Straighten desk Ø Pay bills Ø File bills in filing cabinet Ø Straighten craft/sewing area
OFFICE/ CRAFT ROOM – Weekly Ø Vacuum Ø Dust Ø Dust ceiling fan Ø Wipe baseboards and around door Ø Wipe window ledges |
Each year, as summer approaches, I start planning my summer attack on the kids. Every summer I am determined to make up for nine months of slothful parenting during three months of summer. I start planning early and with the best of intentions. It doesn’t always go as planned, but I am determined to try another summer. I have not been successful yet, but what the heck, I girl mom can dream can’t she? But look what I stumbled across…
Oh my goodness, they are wonderful! I found these chore charts at this cute little site called The Idea Door. It is a wonderful reference for many things. I have even gotten some cub scout things from there.
I love these chore charts because I am a visual person. I need to see a list of things and then be able to check them off. It is great for the kids because I can say, “CLEAN YOUR ROOM (read with a very pleading, yelling voice)” and they know exactly what I mean. There is no chance of misunderstanding the directions. They can, very simply, go down the list to see what they need to do.
I also like that they have a list for everyday and once a week. That is great for teaching kids how to tidy up between big cleanings.
These little cards are wonderful and have been a lifesaver in our home.
I also love the chart on this page that lets you know what kids can do at what age. I think my kids can do more that I give them credit for.
|
Ages 2 – 3
-Help make the bed (pull covers up)
-Pick-up toys
-Hang clothes on hooks
-Carry laundry to and from the laundry area
-Help feed animals
-Help wipe up spills
-Bring in the newspaper
-Mop a small area
-Pour from a small pitcher
-Help pick up the living room
|
Ages 4 - 5
-Any of the others plus:
-Make their own bed
-Clear dishes from the table
-Set the table
-Retrieve the mail
-Dust the furniture
-Help in the kitchen
-Help carry and put away groceries
|
Ages 6 - 12
-Any of the others plus:
-Take care of pets
-Cook simple foods
-Help wash the car
-Vacuum, sweep and mop
-Clean the bathroom completely
-Rake leaves and shovel snow
-Use the washer and dryer
-Hang and fold laundry
-Take out the trash
|
Ages 13 and Up
-Any of the others plus:
-Change light bulbs
-Replace vacuum cleaner bags
-Wash inside and outside of windows
-Clean out refrigerator
-Clean stove and oven
-Prepare a meal
-Make grocery lists
-Do all laundry functions
-Mow the lawn
|
I think my older kids should be doing windows and cleaning out the refrigerator. If they give me any static, I can tell them that it wasn’t my idea, The Idea Door said they could do it! So there!
Anyway, good luck with the little ones and enjoy!
Previous Posts that you’ve just gotta see:
