With each addition to the family my parenting changed. As more children vied for my attention I had to figure out how to make things work. I still had a house to run (cooking, cleaning, running errands) plus make some “me” time.
So I started giving more responsibility to the older children. And as each child got older I gave responsibility to the younger ones as well. All of my children except for Buddy to their own laundry. Chip, Busy Bee and JoJo each take turns doing dishes. The kids vacuum, mop, dust and make their own breakfast (usually cereal or toast although a few like to make scrambled eggs) and they make their own lunches on the weekends or when there is no school.
So I’m sure you’re probably thinking….what do I do??? Well I cook dinner, do the food shopping, clean the bathroom and do laundry. I also pick up the slack when the kids fall behind on their chores (although I do try to make sure they get them done)
I’m not crazy mean. If the kids have plans with friends or spend the night out I do their chores when they are gone. I drive them to school events and to the mall to hang out with friends. I bake cookies, muffins and cupcakes for snacks.
I know I’m not doing the wrong thing by making the kids help out. But sometimes I do feel guilty. My mom never made me do chores. She did everything. She even packed my school lunch up til the day I graduated high school. But I think the big difference between me and my mom is that she didn’t have any hobbies. TV wasn’t like it is now so she didn’t have her shows to watch like I do.
I’m sure some people think that I should do everything because I don’t work. But if I didn’t teach my children to help out all those years ago I wouldn’t have been able to care for my babies.
So am I wise or just tired???