How do I find myself.......and Live for ME??

[kjensen]

The way I've gotten the kids involved was to list all the chores that need getting done, that were doable by a 12 and 14 year old and wouldn't take much time to accomplish. Focusing on the skills I want them to have when they leave home someday.

I ended up with a list of 12 chores: sweeping one floor,vacuuming one floor, cat litter, feeding cat, cooking 1 meal, dishes one night, cleaning bathrooms...D14 actually wanted her and her sister to take 5 chores each, leaving me with 2 (b/c I cook most meals, do most dishes, do the laundry)..So each Sunday we randomly pick our chores (listed on folded pieces of paper) from a bowl and that's what is due to be done by the next Sunday at 5pm.

I suspect this will change a bit once they start spending half their time with their dad, but I'm hoping he gives them a few chores while they're with him and I give them a few chores while they are with me.

I do have to remind the girls at times...but they do the chores. I've stated that part of their allowance is payment for the chores, so if it doesn't get done, I'll dock some money-have only done that once.

In the summer I paid them(3 or 4$) and they could voluntarily sign up for extra chores(laundry)..

If your kids don't buy into it, maybe its time for a group talk about how stressed you are feeling, how you could really use some help...most kids don't want their parents(esp. mom) stressed! They may step it up a bit.

I see it as part of life lessons. Kids need to know the basics of running a house..this will help them and you!