7.21.2010

Summer, Chores and Changing Bad Habits

Summertime in the south means that if you are not getting wet during the day, you are melting, sweating, basically dying usually in the house because its too hot to do anything else. This also means that the house is harder to keep clean and in order. Which in turn drives me nuts and makes year round school look a bit more inviting. Ok not seriously that inviting, but you get the jest. So, I had to think about what it was that we would do to make summer fun for all involved.

Think, think, think. My kids love computer. I love when they do their chores. I crossbred the two ideas and VOILA the light bulb went off! They have to earn their computer time by doing chores. Every morning they are to make their beds, clean their rooms and get dressed. This in turn earns them 15 min. on the computer. Then there is a list of chores and things to do to earn more time, for the computer, taped on the fridge for all to see. They can load/unload the dishwasher (10 min), clean loft (10 min), 25 push-ups and 25 sit-ups (15 min), clean dog poop (25 min.~the amount of time still doesn't win them over to this chore) and there are a few more to choose from and do. This has worked out beautifully! Now the kids will do many of these on their own without me having to ask them. The house is in better shape and I am in a better mood. So we all end up winning in the end. ;)

Another problem that I needed to solve was getting the kids to flush the toilets because "someone" isn't. The reason I say "someone" is because no one will ever own up to who did it. Can be a bit frustrating. I didn't want to have the kids home from school all day long with that remaining a problem. It's bad enough I have to wipe the toilets down as much as I have to. So, once again I had another problem to solve so that we could all be a happy family.

After a few weeks, I finally had the idea that when I found an un-flushed (not sure that is technically a word, but it is now) toilet, that all were to drop and give me twenty!  Twenty push-ups that is. Now I hardly ever find a toilet that isn't flushed, but man my kids not only have awesome forearms, but good form now. :) Even Bria has perfected her straight back, nose to the ground push up. It sure has made the days a little brighter when I walk into the bathrooms. Oh, the simple joys we parents can have. What have you done to make summer a little brighter at your house this summer?

6 comments:

Quincy Sorensen said...

You're brilliant!

Sara said...

I saw that list hanging on your refrigerator and I thought it was such a great idea. I'm definitely going to implement that next summer!

kellibattraw said...

Love it! : )

Shaunte' said...

Wow, that is SO awesome!

Glorious Sunrise Academy said...

You have some great ideas that I'll have to use someday!

Natalie said...

Sharon, you are hilarious. I love it!

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