Thursday, February 19, 2009

Getting back on schedule

I used to be able to get up and spend 30 minutes to an hour doing a sweep through of my house and have it clean first thing. Then, I could go on about our day home schooling or crafting or doing whatever we wanted. I didn't have to worry about anyone stopping by because it had been picked up and wiped and the most mess would be a few toys that I could throw in a wicker basket that I kept in the corner of the family room. I don't know what has happened but it is a mixture of being tired and lazy. I have let my day get by while I am checking the computer and not staying on top of the kids to make sure they are getting their chores done and not holding each other in a headlock in their room.

I have a good system that works for us. It sounds like more than it is, but remember that the work is divided by four.

Daily:
After taking a shower wipe counter/sink/faucet and toilet. Hang towels. Pick up laundry and throw in the hall. Make bed. Pick up room. Take laundry down and start a load. Take down things to fold from drying rack or dryer. Fold laundry. Have kids take piles to rooms. If there is more laundry to do it is done through-out the day.

The kids: straighten their rooms, wipe the other two baths, bring down laundry, one does dishes, one does counters, and one sweeps. The jobs rotate weekly.

Monday-
Clean my bath: sink, tub, shower, toilet, mirror. Clean kitchen: microwave, stovetop, areas you see when you open refrigerator, counters, fronts of appliances, sink. Wash Master sheets.

Tuesday-
Grocery shop and errands. Schedule Dr. appts for this day

Wednesday-
Prepare meals with bulk meat purchases. Iron all clothing. Wash boys sheets.

Thursday-
Vacuum and Dust house. Wash girls sheets.

Friday-
Clean out car. Wash rugs in kitchen and at doors.

Saturday-
Yardwork. Wash cars.

I put the kids to work on the assigned day for chores helping in different areas. If it is kitchen day one wipes the front of the cabinets, one vacuums crumbs out of drawers, one puts tupperware together- whatever is in need.

On the day when we dust I will give each one a cloth and they do a room, they vacuum upstairs and the stairs.


Other chores that the kids do are take out the trash and recycling, sweeping the porches and yardwork as needed.

I don't really have set chores for my older two to do anymore. They are at school and work so are not around as much. My son has to do most of the yardwork in season and my daughter cleans the two other bathrooms. They are my personal shoppers and chauffers for the kids now, also.

5 comments:

Marva said...

Sounds like a plan! I completely understand that they all have to help to keep it running smoothly. Our little guys are good helpers too. thanks for sharing! Ha ve a great day! Blessings!

Michelle said...

That's a good routine! Keep at it!

Have a great one!

Mrs. Darling said...

Yep housework goes on and on. I have people dropping by all the time so I always have to have things looking okay. Its hard to stay on top of all the little things we moms have to do. Sounds like you have a very workable schedule though.

Becc said...

Good for you!
We too have a chore list. We have to stay on the girls a little , but when everyone cooperates it work great!

Valarie Lea said...

I leave the house around 7:30 and then get home about 6:30. That should give you plenty of time to seing by and get mine done also. :)