LJ Idol -- Week, um, 9? Whatever. You have your Marching Orders

[louiement]

There is is, written on the white board in bright blue marker. Clean upstairs bathroom. Clean downstairs bathroom. Sweep and mop kitchen. Beside each job is an initial. Happy Saturday, and welcome to the house of The Meanest Parent In The World. Line up for your marching orders

Comments

[sweeny_todd]

hahaha! this is completely a reflection of my childhood! we had the dreaded roster as well!

It doesn't change you know - I am in a research department, and there are quite a few people who seem incapable of cleaning up after themselves! quite terrible it is!

[louiement]

Personally, I'm guessing my oldest's first apartment or dorm room will be a wreck. He knows how to do it, but still needs to be reminded, and his own room tends to be awash with dirty laundry and heaven knows what all. (I'm not stupid enough to look.) Just knowing how to pick up after oneself doesn't mean one will do it, worse luck.

[imafarmgirl]

Well said. I remember my mom saying the sooner you get started the sooner you'll be done. lol. It's a great way to parent I think.

[louiement]

The funny part is that I'd far prefer to procrastinate, myself. Teaching my children discipline has taught me some, too.

[a_cheese_fan]

I totally do this with my children as well. It might take a little longer to get the chores done when they're little, but it instills lifelong habits that are really hard to develop as an adult, as I know from experience - I wasn't taught how to clean growing up (and nobody in my house did it), so getting into that habit as an adult has been hard. I've got it down pat now, though, and get through the whole house pretty quickly and even faster when the children are all pulling their weight.

I also think it's an important principle to establish that in a family everyone helps out and pulls their weight. We all help each other.

So yes, sign me up for the League of Evil Mothering too!

[louiement]

*Evil Parent fist bump*

[myrna_bird]

I liked this a lot. It is common sense stuff and establishes a good work ethic. Good for you.

[louiement]

Thank you. I think that has always been my motivation -- it only makes sense for kids to learn this stuff. Someday they're going to have to do it, so they might as well learn.

[dreamchaser]

I liked this. It's amazing the number of people these days who cannot do basic housekeeping - good on you for making sure your kids aren't among them!

[louiement]

Plus, it means I have to do *less* of the basic housekeeping, which can only be good. What a horrible thing it's going to be when they leave home and I have to wash all the dishes myself.