Short and Sweet today, but I have to say, I’m loving chore time around here… I know what you are thinking, but NO it is not so much because I love to work my kids like slaves! Really though it is wonderful to see my kids helping out around the house… and there is a sense of pride and ownership that they start to show for the house and I think it gives them a sense of belonging and purpose to know that they have jobs and ways to contribute.

Here is Owen sorting dirty laundry – This chore really helps me a TON, I hate the whole gathering up laundry and sorting it by color steps, and the boys can do a great job of it. It makes doing the laundry not seem QUITE as daunting – too bad i still have to wash/dry/fold/put it away afterwards.

Here is Gareth bringing the laundry out to the garage. Usually only an Owen job, but laundry had piled up quite a bit this day! Gareth also will empty the dishwasher for me and take out the trash when I need it. HUGE helps, and everytime I am blown away with how big this kid is, he is really a capable guy.

Reece here vacuuming for me – this chore is really a hot commodity and we trade off who gets to do it because everyone loves to use the carpet sweeper . With Reece right now, it is still about trying to keep him occupied so that he feels useful, learns to do chores and most of all stays out of the brother’s hair while they do their own chores. I’m sure it will get better with time and in the mean time I’m trying to teach my strong willed little one some good habits.

Needless to say – it isn’t all a bowl of cherries, and often when I’m harping on them just clean up their toys already, it seems a bit counter productive in that I’m putting MORE work into getting them to work than I would be just cleaning up the crap on my own. BUT I really think that as we get into the swing of things, and the more consistent I am about asking them to help out, the more actual help they are. It is totally worth it when we have a day like this and my todo list is actually shrinking because my little men are helping out.I love these guys!