Sometimes, I think we underestimate the value of having a chore system in place. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, it just needs to work for your family. I tried several different systems and the most common thing I found in all of them, was that I wasn’t putting forth the effort to make them work. In order for a system to work, we have to work it.
A chore system or routine really helps create a smooth running home, but also frees mom up to clean on a deeper level. When my children put their toys and books away from the living room, I am then free to vacuum the floor. Often, it is difficult for me to find the time to do both. Additionally, a system helps put a rhythm to our days.
I have come to find at least four valuable concepts learned from having such a system in place.
- It creates a habit. Using a chore system helps us remember to do certain things everyday. It forms a habit. As we teach our daughters good habits, they will carry them into their adult lives and throughout their marriage. As adults, it is much harder to create those habits. Beginning early can save such time and frustration. It lays a foundation for our daughters to understand how necessary it is be consistent. Creating this habit will also help them know what’s expected of them. If I only assigned chores sporadically, there would be more complaining and resistance because it isn’t the “norm”. This really helps them predict their day.
- It prevents housework from piling high. This here is a thing of beauty. The more consistent we are with working the system, the less work it really is! As we are keeping on top of the housework by having everyone play a small role, it does not get out of control. Keeping up with things on a daily and weekly basis keeps the workload manageable, and in most cases small. Spending 5-10 minutes per day tidying the bedroom is much easier than spending 2 hours on a Saturday working to reorganize, declutter, and clean up the dirt. Breaking it down into small, manageable tasks helps prevent the housework from getting out of control.
- It teaches time management. After my children eat breakfast, they put on their chore packs and set to work. I try not to rush them, but I do make them mindful if they are dawdling. I remind them they are cutting into their own free time when they get sidetracked or are simply working as slow as molasses. Each age will differ and with guidance, they will learn to work efficiently.
- It endorses the value of work. When you finish a set of chores, it’s a good idea to have your daughter look back at what she’s accomplished so she can see the fruit or reward of her labor. After my daughter loads and runs the dishwasher, she understands that because of her efforts, the family will have clean dishes to eat from at dinner time. As we all work together, we look back at how much we’ve achieved and the reward of the work is the satisfied. This is not to puff up with pride, rather it’s an understanding of how useful their hands are and what the fruit of their labor brings. Sometimes they don’t see the “bigger picture” until we point it out.
Having a chore system in place is on-the-job training for our daughters. It will set up an excellent foundation for when they go off to manage their own homes. Below I have listed a few resources to help you get your own chore system in place.
Remember, find a chore system that works for your family, and work that chore system! Your future son-in-law will thank you!
By Christin, Joyful Mothering
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