I thought long and hard about how balance a certain degree of structure and productivity with sufficient unregulated free time. The kids have worked hard this past school year and should have a chance to play and just be kids, but at the same time I’ve seen a lack of discipline that I’m not pleased with and recognize the need for a bit of course correction when it comes to personal responsibility. My plan is as follows:
1. Before they can play, they must read 10 minutes of Book of Mormon, practice piano, and have their rooms clean.
2. We will have family chores that we all work on together, rather than individual daily chores. This way I can properly teach them how to do things like clean a toilet and mop a floor with the added bonus of some immediate accountability.
3. I’ve laminated a blank daily schedule on which I can use a washable marker to map out each day. That way everyone knows what needs to get done and when. It also allows me to make sure there’s a reasonable balance of free time and work time.
To help in all this, I typed up a sheet describing what exactly needs to be done for each chore as well as some general expectations for living in our home. I tried to satisfy my need for lists and order, while trying hard not to make things too complicated. I feel good about my plan and really hope it works well for everyone.
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