The Taylor Five

Today was the big day of implementing the first of our new chore routines.  I’ve been procrastinating for a good while now because I just knew it would be like pulling teeth training the kids to do their new jobs.  What was I thinking?  I should have known that they would be excited the first day, at least.  Things went smoothly with our Before Meals and After Meals routines:

BEFORE MEALS

Wilson (6):

• Wash hands
• Set table with napkins and silverware
• Fill water glasses and place on table

Marianne (4):

• Wash hands
• Clear table
• Carry prepared plates to table

Finch (2)

• Wash hands
• Get bib out of drawer
• Climb into high chair

AFTER MEALS

Wilson:

• Put away and scrape off own dishes
• Put away Finch’s dishes
• Help load dishwasher and wash dishes
• Vacuum under table with Dustbuster

Marianne:

• Put away and scrape off own dishes
• Wipe table

Finch:

• Throw away napkins
• Put cup in refrigerator
• Load silverware in dishwasher

Marianne was proud of her table wiping job, and even Finch took quick ownership of the napkins and dirty silverware.

After having gone through this routine at breakfast, the table was in good shape at lunchtime.  I showed Wilson how to fold the napkins and place them with the fork next to the plates.  As we began eating, he declared more than once that the table looked so nice that it was his favorite lunch ever.

I think that having their responsibilities formalized may give the kids a better appreciation for the total work that goes into running a household.  After I read through their lists of jobs, Wilson asked, “What’s on your list, Mommy?”  I explained that I cooked the meals, cleaned up the big dishes, and helped them with their jobs.  His eyes got wide as he said, “That’s a LOT of work for you!”  Little does he know that my long-term goal is to work myself out of a job.