Comments on: Household Chores Can be Fun School Projects – We Hope :-)

By: Olympia

Olympia — Wed, 06 May 2009 19:45:51 +0000

Great post! I find that once I get my daughter going on tasks, she’s waiting for the next thing on the list. Of course, that’s when she’s in that type of mood. But When she thinks we’re working together to get all the tasks done, she’s really motivated.

I recently had surgery on my finger (I play pro-basketball and dislocated it during a game) so I told my daughter she graduated to full-time dish duty. Surprisingly she embraced the opportunity to help me out during my time of need.

By: Top 10 Signs Your House is a Mess

Top 10 Signs Your House is a Mess — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 10:01:05 +0000

[...] Household Chores Can be Fun School Projects – We Hope [...]

By: Tam

Tam — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 07:55:03 +0000

Here are two things we’ve been doing for a while that add fun to “chores.” I didn’t create these, but thought to share in case you hadn’t heard of them.

Showers/Tubs:
All you need is an extra poofy sponge and water gun for each kid and the soap or shampoo you have on hand. Put the kiddo(s) in swim suit or clothes you don’t mind getting wet, then let them fill the tub an inch or two (make sure you have safety strips or mats in there!) and let them go to town. Use the poofy sponge to write on the walls and then scrub them down, use the water guns to clear the slate and start over. This is especially fun in middle of winter months when they can’t go swimming often and so my boys think of it as a real fun treat type of thing, not a chore. The soap/shampoo is already on hand, you don’t need a lot and it won’t hurt their skin. Not only is is “safer” it is also less expensive than buying tub cleaners! Let’s not forget that busy moms will have clean kids and a clean tub/shower, so it’s also a time saver.

I do an adult version, by keeping an extra poofy in my shower. Each time I’m in there I take a minute or two to scrub down a section of the shower. I’m already getting wet anyway and a minute each day is easier than scrubbing my weekends away.

GO SOCKS:
Take that basket of unmatched socks, divide them up and play Go Socks (a socky version of Go Fish). We use our recycled grocery bags to “hide” our socks from other players and the extra socks are place in a case in middle of all of us and we have to reach in without looking. The winner (one who has the most matches) gets a small treat. It might be some bubble gum (my boys are into it now that they’ve learned how to make bubbles) or to play a video game/board game with the other players or to make a special treat for the family. I try to mix up the prize/treat so it’s a mix of for them and for the family (to teach them to share).

By: Home School Diploma | Home School Diploma

Home School Diploma | Home School Diploma — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 13:00:14 +0000

[...] hopes Household Chores Can be Fun School Projects – We Hope via Homeschool [...]

By: Misty

Misty — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 11:10:55 +0000

I hope moving isn’t too much of a pain for you. I still shudder at the idea! Hey – if your kids are home and they’re learning something = homeschooling! We all do it. Yes, I think the elbows are too cute, too!

By: Jill

Jill — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 04:25:40 +0000

Thanks for the ideas! Nathan is off-track for 3 weeks, so even though we don’t homeschool, it kind of feels like we do right now. I’ve been needing to get the kids more involved with cleaning- especially while we’re packing up to move, and showing our place to prospective renters.
Tim is too cute. I love the pounding dough with his elbows! Makes me want to eat the bread:)

By: Heather D

Heather D — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 17:52:21 +0000

You know, I never thought about how homeschooling means more housework. But I think you’re totally right. NOW I have a good excuse for always being behind!

On the topic of young kids helping out with kitchen stuff and chores, you might be interested in a couple of my posts:

http://motherbynature.ca/2009/02/video-my-2-year-old-can-crack-eggs-montessori-practical-life-and-cooking-skills/

http://motherbynature.ca/2008/12/toddlers-and-housework-part-of-the-action/

Then we can compare whose video of preschoolers in the kitchen is cuter.

By: Misty

Misty — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 16:25:00 +0000

Thanks, Ann! No fair, you have to give me some of your good ideas! What system do you use, and does it work well? We still have regular chore skirmishes.

By: Ann

Ann — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 15:27:40 +0000

LOVE this post, Misty! It’s soooo true! All the stuff they can learn by doing everyday things is great. We’ve got a system down with chores everyday and you named quite a few of them and also gave me ideas for more! Thank you!