When it comes to schedules, summer is such a bittersweet time.
Children love their time off, but they often fall behind in their
chores and it seems the house is always a mess.
The good news is that fall is a perfect time to change all that.
With kids heading 'back to school', everyone's timetable is a
little more rigid, and that's when a house-cleaning schedule makes
the most sense. In fact, creating a Family
Cleaning Calendar will encourage children to
clean up after themselves and teach them what happens when they
don't.
How to create a calendar? Make a list of
all the chores that need to be done (and that kids can help with),
and write a family member's name beside each one. An erasable chalk
board works really well for this. Be sure to hang it in a central
location, usually the kitchen or front hallway so everyone can read
it.
You're teaching
kids. This is a great way to show
children that everyone's actions in the family influence the
actions of another. If they don't clean up immediately after
themselves or if they don't do their chores, then they risk
creating more work for someone else. And, if someone doesn't clean
up, then maybe your child will have more work on cleaning day.
Mix up the chores, make
them daily and weekly, and be sure to rotate yourself into the
schedule as well. Every week shift the responsibilities.
Add a little incentive. Build in an
allowance for kids, or a special treat, as payment for the
chores.