Saturday, June 21, 2014

Starting Chores Early - Age Appropriate Chores




Ok, maybe not that early, but she loves to help me!

In my house, the children do perform chores and we do provide a weekly allowance for them.  This allows them to have some spending money, while contributing to the upkeep of our home.

During the summer (and Christmas break) we do a formal chore system in the house.  During the school year, we do not do formal chores, the kids just help out when asked.  The focus during the school year must be on school, homework, and reading. 

Our system is very simple, I have a piece of paper (one for each of my two children) which resembles a calendar with blocks for the days Monday - Friday.  Each day I write the chore they must complete for the day.  Once complete, they place a sticker in that block.  I find it either to write the chore the night before or the day of depending on what needs to be done that day. 

5 Year Old Chores Include:
  • Picking up toys
  • Cleaning his room
  • Empty the bathroom garbage can
  • Empty the recycles
  • Put away clean clothes
  • Empty dryer
  • Make the bed
  • Dust the furniture
  • Clear the table and put dishes in sink

8 Year Old Chores Include:
  • Vacuum the upstairs or downstairs
  • Help mow the grass
  • Take the garbage cans to the street
  • Take out the kitchen garbage
  • Load the dishwasher
  • Fold and put away his clothes
  • Change the sheets on his bed
  • Do a load of laundry
What kind of chores do your kids do?



Sunday, June 1, 2014

2014 Goals - May Recap


Its June 1st, the weather has been gorgeous by my house, so that means it is time to check in on our goals for 2014. I had a really good May sticking to my goals for the year. 

I am making a real, conscious effort to set goals in 2014 and stick to them. The best way I can think of is to hold myself accountable on a monthly basis. Be sure to check back in the first of every month to see my progress as well as link up your progress.

1. Relationship with God - Do one activity a month to strength my relationship with God (going to mass on Sunday does not count).
My son made his first communion on May 2.  I attended the practice session with him as well as the ceremony the following day.  I am so proud of him.

2. Relationship with my Husband - Go on one date night a month with my husband. Plan an overnight trip of at least 2 nights away to take in 2014
We had 2 nights out this month, we had dinner and drinks with 2 sets of out friends on separate nights.  We are so blessed to have wonderful parents always willing to watch our kids so that we can enjoy some adult time!

 3. Family Time - Do one activity as a family once a month. Take one family vacation and one long weekend getaway in 2014.
 
We celebrated Memorial Day as a family at my sister's house with a picnic
 
We went to Orlando over Spring Break. 
 
Long weekend is booked for June!!

4. Relationships with my Kids - Do a one-on-one activity with each child each month (3 a month).
I took both my boys to Toys R Us as a reward for good report cards!
I took my middle son and daughter to a birthday party at a splash pad.  We also did 2 library trips this month.
 
My oldest son and I went furniture shopping together.  He thought it was pretty cool that we would make the decision.


5. Declutter - sell at least 5 items per month.
I was having a really slow month so one day I was home from work since my daughter was sick and during her nap I went through all the boys clothes and posted them on FB garage sale sites.  This month I ended up selling 11 items (lots of items) for a total of  $63!  I also compiled two garbage bags of clothes for my cousin!

 6. Debt - Pay off Debt #1 and reduce Debt #2 by 50%
 
Debt #1 is paid.   We made very little progress on Debt #2 this month.  We started a much needed home remodel project so the extra cash went to the completion of our new home office.  This project is now complete, so we are back on the "debt paying machine track" in June!
 

7. Me Time - Say "no" to one extra commitment a month. Do an only me or "girls night" activity once a month.
I said "no" to donating items for an end of the year school party.  I had donated a lot this school year and it always seems like last minute to me.
 
I was able to get my hair cut and high-lighted this month.  I also did a "cousins night out" with a bunch of my girl cousins!
8. Budget Buster - Keep library fines to under $5 for the entire year (this is so hard for me).
No fines this month again!  I had to arrange an evening trip to return some book that would of went past due the next day, but I made it in time!
9. Work/Life Balance - Friday at 5 pm - until Monday at 8 am - do not check work e-mails (I am off the clock).

I okay on this for May.  I had to leave work at 3 pm on couple of days to get home so my husband could leave to go teach.  My parents are on vacation and normally help us.  On those days, I had to come home and get back on my laptop.  Otherwise, I was "unplugged" on the weekends!

 10. Have an online business (this idea has been in my head for over a year) fully functioning by the end of 2014. I need to take one giant step every month to achieve this goal!
This is the only goal I do not seem to make time for?  Maybe its not that important to me?  I need to reflect on what I truly want to do!

How are you doing on your goals thus far? Feel free to leave a comment or link up!