Help with chore assignments

[Deece in MN]

Hi,
I need some help with assigning chores.

We have always approached housework from the point that if I need help I ask and the kids pitch in.
The problem with this is that when I am having an off day, things don't get done at all. Then housework builds up and I get frustrated and take it out on my family.

I really need to come up with a system that works. We have tried some different approaches (chore charts, Accountable Kids, etc.) in the past and none of them really fits for us nor do we stick with them for more than a month or so.

I am not sure what approach to take, but even more important I am not sure what I should be having my dc do.

I don't want to assign all the chores to them because I do feel that taking care of the household is my responsiblity. I do feel I could use some help and I feel it will help them build a good work ethic and pride in their surroundings by contributing on a daily basis. I guess I am not sure what to have them do.

What chores do your children do? My dc are 11 (dd) & 13 (ds). As of now, dd is supposed to be feeding the dog morning and evening and ds takes care of the garbage and recycling, but that is about it unless I ask for help.

I want them to be able to look at a list (or whatever system we end up using), see what needs to be done and do it without me asking and/or nagging about it.

Any thoughts on what they should be doing? Anyone have a system that works well?

Thanks!

[Rachel]

My kids are 15, 13, and 13 and we have done this system for years. They rotate chores monthly (daily/weekly was just too hard to remember who was what). They rotate:
Dishwasher -this includes loading/unloading, cleaning kitchen counters, setting table
Garbage- this include taking out, cleaning can, can to the street and back, recyclables, all cans in the whole house
Animals- Taking them outside to potty, feeding, water, brushing, cleaning up messes (we have 7 animals so this is a big one), cleaning cat box

The three of them are responsible for the guest bathroom that they all share and they take turns monthly with
Sinks- mirrors, sinks, countertops
Floors- sweep, mop, picking up trash
Toilet/Shower- cleaning both

They then are responsible for their room. We have gotten to the point that as long as their door remains closed we let them keep their room how they want. We have all 3 types.........a neat freak, a slob and one that lets it go but then can't take it anymore and cleans on his own. It just got to be a BIG issue so we let it go.

My kids all do their own laundry as well.

[Tina]

I made a list of all the chores I needed done daily, and gave one to each of the boys daily. My 16 yo and 13 yo takes turns Monday through Thursday cleaning up dishes during the day or vacuuming the living room and entry. They do each job twice a week.

I also made a list of jobs that needed to be done weekly, and gave the boys a couple. They do their own laundry (for the last year), and they clean out the vehicles once a week,sweep the stairs and basement, take out the trash and recycling, and clean-up 'somewhat' after supper every night. (I need to push harder on that one. ;) )

They also help in the kitchen weekends some as requested, work with dh in the garage or whatever as requested, and other last minute things I come up with. I feel they need to realize it takes all of us to keep this place together.

Dh is self employed, so they see all he pours into his work, plus I am dh's office staff, doing lots of paperwork/phone work. I figure with the rest of the chores, cooking, shopping, billpaying, etc., I'm doing all I can. They're just doing their fair share. I do wish we had chores like they do in rural areas, as the hard labor would be good for them, too. :D

It's time to figure out some regular chores for dd besides the dog and loading the big trash can once a week. She's starting to help unload the dishwasher--silverware, pans and plates.

I think the boys will start cooking once a week around here, too. All good skills for the future! I should see if they'd like to clean the fridge weekly or sweep the floors daily or something for a change of pace....

[Deece in MN]

Thank you both for the replies.
I like the idea of rotating monthly, we may have to give that a try.
I don't know why this is so hard. I will work on a schedule in the next couple days so we can get started and see how things go.
Thanks, again.

[Sue G in PA]

my children (even the younger ones) do quite a bit (or let's just say they are assigned quite a bit!). Ds8, 9 and dd11 do their own laundry. Ds5,6 are in training and dd2 just likes to "help"! We rotate the "main" chores each month (I feel a month is best b/c they need to get into a rhythm and a week is just too short). The 3 olders rotate: washing dishes (no dishwasher:eek:), sweeping the kitchen/dining room floor, clearning/wiping the dining room/school table when necessary. Then, each has a weekly/bi-weekly chore like vacuuming living room and hallways, cleaning bathroom (one up and one down), mopping floors, vacuuming under sofa cushions, etc. EAch is responsible for cleaning their own room once each week, doing laundry on their laundry day, folding and putting clothes away. They think it's a lot but I can't do it all. They must help. AND, even w/ their help my house is still a wreck and the rooms are still a trash heap! LOL! We also use Handipoints.com to keep track. It's a fun website for the dc (even my 11yo loves it) and it helps w/ goals/allowances. Some of my dc like to get actual money for allowance. Some are content w/ earning points to get a particular reward at the store or night out w/ mom or dad, etc.

[Beth in Central TX]

All 3 of my boys help with house chores, and I post a weekly schedule of the duties on our refrigerator. Of course, most of the work is done by my older 2 sons, but the youngest has his own assignments, and he helps the others too.

Here are their daily responsibilities:

Son #1
Take Out Trash, if needed
Sweep: Kitchen Tile Area, Dining Room, & School Room
Pick-up Bedroom (floor, desk & closet)

Son #2
Wipe Kitchen Counters & Tables after meals
Fill Up Soap Dispensers, if needed
Pick-up Bedroom (floor, desk & closet)

Son #3
Shake Out Chair Mats after meals
Pick-up Bedroom (floor, desk & closet)

On Monday & Friday the older boys split the following chores:
Clean Bathroom Sinks
Clean Bathtub

On Tuesday & Thursday the older boys split the following chores:
Swiffer: Dining, School, & Living Room
Vacuum: Boys' Rooms
Windex Mirrors & TVs (youngest son helps with this)

During the summertime, my oldest son mows the yard, and my middle son blows off the walkways and driveway. All of their chores are required, and we do pay them a small commission for their work.

We clean the house once a month, but the daily and weekly work listed above really helps shorten our cleaning day and keeps the house looking nice most of the time.