Recently I’ve started using a preschool setting schedule for my son here at home, since my issue with the preschool system (see my blog post from last week for more).  I decided that I am the best person to be a teacher and influence for my son in his early education.  This schedule I created is beneficial for everyone in the house.  It’s a chart system that teaches my son the importance of doing things at a specific time and that he will have to be responsible and will not be able to do what he wants, when he wants.  This schedule included chores.  I have heard many mothers disagree with this method of parenting, that kids should be kids and leave them alone.  While I agree that kids should be kids, that doesn’t mean they have to be lazy kids in my opinion it’s never too early to teach responsibility.  I believe chores are a part of life and growing up, my son will learn early on in life that he will have to be accountable for the mess he makes, and that there are no maids in our home! 🙂 Of course with chores come reward.  My son is three so his chore list is very simple, so that he understands what he is doing and why. Personally, chores should be age appropriate and grow as they grow.  This is also helpful for you as a parent, you will have him help you throughout the day, usually when they are smaller like my child they enjoy cleaning up.  Will it get harder as they grow? I’m sure it will I’m not quite there yet I think that if you practice consistency now, they will learn to do it even as they grow up. 

            So how do you implement chores? I bought this simple chart from Target, it was $4.99, you can write your child’s chores and mark an “x” next to every chore he completes.  You can chose whatever chores you feel are necessary for your child.  Remember that you have to reward them, kids love stickers.  I think that it shows them they are being recognized for doing something good and it shows.  At the end of the week, my son receives a sticker for completing all his chores for that week.  Sometimes I will take him for an Ice Cream, to McDonald’s, or Chuck E. Cheese for his hard work.  My son does simple things like picking up his toys and his shoes, putting his plate in the sink after eating, washing his hands before meals, and setting the table.  I’ve been doing this for a week straight, and now I don’t have to remind him to put his dish in the sink, as soon as he finishes eating he does it.  Consistency is everything when being a parent.  I have learned firsthand that when you are consistent it shows and is definitely rewarding for both you and your child. 

            Thanks for stopping in and remember to share my blog with other moms out there.  These topics are so important and dear to my heart and I love sharing with you all week after week.  Together we can strive for mommy success! 🙂