Chore time!

I have gotten many response in regards to me having a favorite in Kristian and not writing about Joshua, the reason is not that I have a favorite is that Joshua is still little enough that there isn’t much going on with him except for the growing milestones of a 6 month old. Honestly HE is the perfect baby eats everything that we make for him (everything is made from scratch no jars for this baby), and he sleeps through the night (you need tips, just ask) and he is always happy even though he loves to pull your hair and anything that may dangle in front of him. Speaking of pulling hair, the other day we were having John in an OUTBURST says “NOOOO, you can’t do that to your little brother he doesn’t understand!” Krisitian’s answer, “Of course he understands he is pulling my hair.” So then it got into this long discussion of WHY? WHY? Why? And we finally gave up, boys will be boys.
I have been taking some time off since I am in transition to another position and let me just tell you I am going stir crazy, the house has been cleaned every day the closet has been rearranged and dinner has been made, I think I have a major case of ‘wiggly worms’ because I can’t stay still. Even though I seem to be coming down with something it is not slowing me down. John is amazed that we are upstairs in bed by 9 pm. Well when you have all day to do things it makes it so much easier to get everyone down and out by 7:30/ 8 that is when the boys go down. Maybe I should stay at home instead of work? Not so much I would go absolutely crazy and I treasure my career and few bucks that I make for my crazy clothes and jewelry obsession to name just a couple. One thing that I love in the morning when John heads out the door at wee hours of the morning is that Kristian comes in and cuddles until its time to get up and out. The routine if finally down to where he knows what chores he needs to do before heading out the door. Chores you say at 3 years old.

Kristian has chores and we make it fun for him so he understands the importance of keeping things neat in order and at the same time he gets a little bit of money.
In the morning, he makes his bed and puts all the recyclables in the proper bin.
In the evening, he takes off his uniform and his shoes (if there are mud on his shoes he cleans them off and wipes them dry). He hangs up his coat and book bag in the closet. Around 5 he feeds the dogs and gives them fresh water. When its dinner time he helps to set the table and pours everyone water and after dinner he helps with putting things in the dishwasher. If it trash day he will help us with the trash bin that needs do go up the hill. By the end of the night he has very little time to watch tv or to play sometimes if we have 30 minutes I will let him choice what he wants to do.

During the weekends we do a bit of laundry and he actually puts them into the different laundry bags (dark, whites, light colored, towels, and sheets). I usually try to work in the garden and he loves to help me plant and rack the leaves.

I know that many parents aren’t for chores at such a young age but I honestly think it will allow them to have a better understanding when they get older.