#3 Get the Kids to Help, Stay Sane in the Mundane

We are all in this together!  Get the kids to help. 

1.  Dishes, Trash, Floors:  Each person can help with the family chores.  For our family, we begin when the child is small, giving them small jobs that they can accomplish.  For example, helping to set the table, clean up their own toys, or sort clean silverware.  If it is required everyday, it becomes a habit.  We don't want to overwhelm them, just teach them to help.  This takes consistency.

For us, some jobs that the kids do are:  take out the trash, fill the dishwasher, empty the dishwasher, wipe off the table and sweep under the table after a meal, sweep floors, feed the dog, take out the dog, feed the chickens.  These jobs we have had a chore chart for in the past (which I highly recommend because it is consistent).  Now, we just pull together and they help, as I ask or as they see the need.

2.  Laundry:  One year, when my first three kids were constantly going outside and jumping in the creek or getting muddy, I thought, "They should do their own wash, if they are going to make so many clothes dirty!"  So, I taught them to do the laundry, and they have been doing it ever since.  Blane also learned to do his laundry about a year ago.  This makes the laundry manageable for me.

3.  Cleaning:  Pick one day to clean.  
I was getting stressed out looking at the constant mess (I still do).  One goal that has helped is, I clean on Thursday afternoons.  Then on the other days, I try to relax and know that on Thursday, I will dust, sweep, and mop (just the kitchen, dining room, and living room).  I do sweep other days, just quickly, but in my mind I don't have to, it is just a bonus.  It gives me back my sanity.  I try to clean the bathroom either Thurs. morning or when my youngest is in the bathtub. Bedrooms?  Each person is in charge of their own room.

I don't want to miss each special day that God has given me with these kids.  I don't want to be cleaning all day, or stressing out about the messes, so having the kids help is a necessity. 

Be consistent and positive.  When the job is done, we can move on and have fun together, too.

Isaiah 41:10, "Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed for I am your God.  I will strengthen you, Yes I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (NKJV).