It's raining outside and in the high 50's (Fahrenheit). Seriously?
I do not like this one bit.
It's December! How about some snow? And sub-zero (Celsius) temperatures? That nice feeling when you step outside and the air is "biting" your cheeks? I want that!
Kids are not helping around the house - unless we spend a ridiculous amount of time and effort getting them to help out. Something needs to change. They are 15, 13, and 9. They are capable on taking on more responsibilities.
- Unloading dishes*
- Clean up table and kitchen after dinner
- Keep their rooms clean!
- Vacuum other parts of the house*
- Wipe bathroom sink
- Take out garbage
- Change bedsheets (on their beds)*
- Fold laundry*
- Help with yard up-keep*
- Take care of the cat (feeding, litter box, etc)*
*They have been doing some of these chores - but we've all been busy, and I've been lax about enforcing chores, and the kids have been doing close to nothing. Because if we don't make them - they never volunteer to help.
I know that when we bring this up and ask kids to help out more, our middle kid is going to scream and kick and tell us that we are the parents and it's our responsibility to take care of the kids (including clean up, cooking, laundry, etc). We are going to have to deal with that - but I am not looking forward to it.
Our kids are generally good and like to be helpful. We just need to reset expectations and somehow get them to cooperate with the plan...
I am from the Ural mountains and, too, I need some snow. NOW. e did not get any snow last year in NJ. And we had green grass all winter. Le sigh.
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