Kids and Chores

Even though I stay home during the day, I can't seem to keep up with all the work that needs to be done. The laundry, as I've said before, is a never ending pile. There's always a room that needs to be cleaned. Clutter has got to be my worst pet peeve. Anyone who has kids in school knows what "the pile" is. I try to sort through it as soon as it's there, but it's often easier said than done. I'm usually interrupted while doing it at least 10 times.

I'm constantly telling my kids (even daddy kid) that they HAVE to clean up after themselves. I honestly don't mind doing the cooking, cleaning, and laundry when I don't have to stop and pick up first. Once I told them that maybe we just won't pick up after ourselves anymore and I'll randomly choose one person to go around the house picking up after all 6 of us. "No way!", they say. "Well what do you think I do every day!"

Each kid has different chores to do. My 14 year old empties the dishwasher on the days there is no school, cleans up the kitchen after dinner, irons, feeds the cat, and babysits whenever I need her. My 11 year old picks up the toys at the end of the day, clears the table after dinner, takes out the garbage, brings the garbage cans in on trash day, and shovels the sidewalk. My youngest two just are suppose to do any chore that I give them. All the kids are supposed to make their beds every morning and clean up after themselves. This morning no one's bed was made. Their wet towels are laying on the floor. There are boots and pants on the floor by the door. The kitchen had food on the floor and around the sink. There's clutter everywhere. Can you tell I'm upset here? Not only that, they go to ski club right from school today, so they won't be home until late!

OK. They're in trouble now. I think it's time to start deducting from their allowance. The punishment for leaving towels on the floor is having to carry up ALL the laundry. No one's going anywhere tomorrow until everything is done! I guess I'll just stay home and clean all day, after I take my son his ski equipment to school. Or maybe not!