Proverbially, of course.
Though after reading my Grandpa's life history, I'm tempted to try and learn the real thing.
My children!
We've just overhauled the chore system at our house. We were doing alright, except the previous system left them with a bit too much choice. The bathroom was never getting cleaned and the dishes were never done because they didn't want to do those chores. They wanted to clear the table and fold clothes. . .the easy stuff (especially the folding clothes, because you can sometimes talk mom in to letting you fold and watch a movie at the same time).
Problem is, I'm a bit lazy too and I don't want to do it either. Besides, I do need my children to understand that sometimes they have to do the hard stuff whether they like it or not. So we've overhauled. Everyone has specific chores for a week and then we rotate (even mom and dad, though their lists are longer).
Problem is the adjustment period.
And so, I weld my proverbial whip in hopes that things will get better. In a desperate hope that organization will come to my cluttered home and life.
And who do I lash most? My kids.
Who should I lash most? Me. The one who sometimes doesn't follow through and then has to fight an even bigger battle the next day. The one who can't even force myself out of bed 1/2 the time and then wonders why I'm not getting anything done.
It's all about example. And I'm learning that the hard way. The whip won't teach anything unless I'm doing it too.
And so, I got up and exercised this morning. . .for the first time in ages. My kids need to see me doing it. And I'm trying to avoid a book until my chores are done.
Better today than yesterday and better tomorrow than today.
Though after reading my Grandpa's life history, I'm tempted to try and learn the real thing.
My children!
We've just overhauled the chore system at our house. We were doing alright, except the previous system left them with a bit too much choice. The bathroom was never getting cleaned and the dishes were never done because they didn't want to do those chores. They wanted to clear the table and fold clothes. . .the easy stuff (especially the folding clothes, because you can sometimes talk mom in to letting you fold and watch a movie at the same time).
Problem is, I'm a bit lazy too and I don't want to do it either. Besides, I do need my children to understand that sometimes they have to do the hard stuff whether they like it or not. So we've overhauled. Everyone has specific chores for a week and then we rotate (even mom and dad, though their lists are longer).
Problem is the adjustment period.
And so, I weld my proverbial whip in hopes that things will get better. In a desperate hope that organization will come to my cluttered home and life.
And who do I lash most? My kids.
Who should I lash most? Me. The one who sometimes doesn't follow through and then has to fight an even bigger battle the next day. The one who can't even force myself out of bed 1/2 the time and then wonders why I'm not getting anything done.
It's all about example. And I'm learning that the hard way. The whip won't teach anything unless I'm doing it too.
And so, I got up and exercised this morning. . .for the first time in ages. My kids need to see me doing it. And I'm trying to avoid a book until my chores are done.
Better today than yesterday and better tomorrow than today.
Amen especially to that last line.
I'm getting off the computer now and getting to work. No whipping needed, other than the gentle reminder that is this post.
I so, so feel you on this. My son's room is rarely clean because mine is rarely clean and I won't ask him to do what I won't do. Now I have to master the leading by example too.
Congrats on the re-haul and I'm sorry for the problems of old. I'm proud of you, especially as I suck at chore charts.
We DO have to lead by example, more's the pity! Why can't they all just do as I say while I sit and read? :D
I'm like your kids, I like the clearing the table and folding laundry part, but not the hard chores :-) and I had to crack my whip at myself a lot myself when the kids were younger. I totally agree with what you said about being an example. The beauty of it is you think you are doing it for your children but you're also growing personally.
Man, it takes awhile to get a good routine. And I ALWAYS feel guilty when I am finally taking a breather and ask my kids to go do a few things around here, because I think they think I am just sitting around.
I am so there right now. Chore charts have never been my gift. Instead I alternate between cheerleader and nagging fishwife with evil stepmother voice. I'm already ready for school to start!
I dont' think there are any easy answers to this problem. Well, maybe one--start them out as slavies when they are toddlers. That's what my sister with 9 kids did--those kids were doing breakfast dishes before school AND folding a load of laundry. I can't even imagine.
Lately I have been terrified that I have been being an extremely poor role model for my children. And now I am paying the consequences. They aren't very pretty. I hope I can learn and reteach them some things. But it is so hard!