{"id":5241,"date":"2014-02-27T16:56:09","date_gmt":"2014-02-27T20:56:09","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/cynthomas.com\/journal\/?p=5241"},"modified":"2014-06-23T11:39:23","modified_gmt":"2014-06-23T15:39:23","slug":"chores-for-the-hygenically-challenged","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/cynthomas.com\/journal\/chores-for-the-hygenically-challenged\/","title":{"rendered":"Chores for the Hygenically-Challenged"},"content":{"rendered":"

I don’t think hygenically is a word, but if you have boy children in your home, you know what I mean. Chores have always been part of my boys\u2019 lives, at least as soon as they could walk. In toddlerhood, they were so enthusiastic, it was mesmerizing. \u201cThis is a sponge, Mommy!! Look what it can do!\u201d Oh, if only that had lasted…<\/p>\n

A couple of years ago, I created a Chore Bowl. Inside were folded pieces of paper with different chores of various degrees of time\/effort required. It was a good system for a long while. The boys would have to complete a chore before they could have their 30 minutes of screen time. (We put the hammer down on screen time.) They are motivated to complete the chore to get that reward.<\/p>\n

But in those couple of years, some chores have mysteriously disappeared from the bowl. Now all that remains is \u201cTake out the recycling\u201d and \u201cTake out the compost\u201d. Both admirably green and both a 1-2 minute task. Time for a change.
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\n\"Chore<\/p>\n

I am far from a clean-freak (sometimes I wish I was), but there is a point where the clutter and mess gets to my psyche and I end up cleaning for hours. It’s usually when company is coming, but don’t judge. It\u2019s definitely not efficient and I am sometimes irrationally resentful. In reality, who else is really going to clean my house? All that ends with my new PLAN!<\/p>\n

For each day of the week, there will be a room jar. Each jar will have a select number of chores, which will be done on that day. The theory is to focus on one room at a time, and weekly, so nothing gets completely out of control. Here\u2019s the breakdown:<\/p>\n

KITCHEN<\/strong>
\nWipe down cabinets and refrigerator
\nSweep floor
\nClean island shelves
\nTake out recycling or compost
\nDINING ROOM<\/strong>
\nClean table
\nDust furniture
\nVacuum floor
\nClean-up Homework cabinet
\nFAMILY ROOM<\/strong>
\nDust furniture
\nVacuum floor
\nClean under couch cushions
\nClean glass door or windows
\nLIVING ROOM<\/strong>
\nDust furniture
\nVacuum floor
\nClean coffee table
\nClaim any laundry and put away
\nHALF BATH<\/strong>
\nClean sink
\nClean toilet
\nThrow your laundry in washer
\nSweep floor
\nBOYS BATH<\/strong>
\nClean sinks
\nClean toilet
\nPick up floor
\nClean out tub, any old bottles, and straighten linen closet
\nMUDROOM<\/strong>
\nSweep floor
\nStraighten up shoes, coats, etc.
\nClean shoe shelves
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\n\"ChoreThis leaves our bedroom, our bathroom and the office to me and my husband. The boys are responsible for cleaning their bedrooms once a day for their allowance. Ha! And yes, that’s probably another blog post for a later date.
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\nSo, what do you think of my plan? I think my 11-year-old and 8-year-old will be able to handle this breakdown of chores. I don’t think any one of them will take longer than 10 minutes, tops. And maybe, if all goes well, I might add 5 minutes to their screen time…
\nCheers! -Cyn<\/p>\n

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