Allocating housework amongst family - does this work for anyone?

Bennifred

Definitely worth the effort, GR! How else do children learn about housework etc. but by copying their parents? My three boys are far from angels but they automatically make their beds when they get out of them, put all dirty clothes in the washing box, put used dishes and cups in the dishwasher and help with whatever needs doing without too much moaning. The older two take it in turns to clean the bathroom weekly, and if it's not good enough I make them do it again ("I think you've missed the floor/taps/whatever - could you just do that bit again - yes, before you go out!). They will all do things ike emptying the dishwasher/clearing the kitchen/vacuuming on request, although it is fairly rare for it to happen unprompted:rolleyes: How often they're asked depends on whether I've been at work whilst they're at home and my mood:D

Dh has always done at least his fair share, even when I was a SAHM. One of my most cherished memories is of one of the boys (age about 3) asking in outraged tones what was I doing with Daddy's hoover?!

1sttimer - if finances allow, I would be tempted to hire a cleaning lady and make OH and DD2 pay, as it's their share of the work she'll be doing! It might concentrate their minds if it hits them in the pocket!

taplady

From reading all the threads it does seem that us women have a hard time at home!:p

I suppose some of it is down to us not being strict enough on our kids and OHs. I am guilty of that one!:rolleyes:

I do about 90% in our house as well as working full time. OH does what he can but he has a heart condition and its as much as he can do to work full time so I cant ask him to do more.
But I have 2 teenage boys who do very little!:mad:

DS2 makes his bed and puts his laundry in the basket and thats it!:rolleyes:

DS1 helps his dad with any heavy duty jobs outside and very occasionally makes his bed!:rolleyes:

I like my house tidy and clean and cant rest if its not up to my standard.
However I think the time has come to make a stand with the boys!:rolleyes: we plan a family meeting to discuss their lack of help and sort out a plan of action.
Wish me luck!;)

Penelope_Penguin

taplady wrote:

I like my house tidy and clean and cant rest if its not up to my standard.
However I think the time has come to make a stand with the boys!:rolleyes: we plan a family meeting to discuss their lack of help and sort out a plan of action.
Wish me luck!;)

Good luck, Taplady! :A

Let us know how you get on, and any tips and strategies.

Penny. x

Sallys_Savings

Taplady...hhhhmmmm when you've finished your family chat do ya mind popping over to mine and having a word with my lot?

wigginsmum

You know, I'm watching DH wash up, and he really doesn't know how. He's not using enough detergent and keeps the hot tap running to rinse it. A monumental waste of water. But I daren't say anything because he'll simply sulk!

Rachel021967

I have the same problem. My lot won't even feed the cat and give him fresh water. I had to give in in the end. I couldn't let the cat suffer. As for my husband when I had my first daughter I came home after a week to find a week's worth of washing up in the sink. Any tips would be gratefully received.

Gingham_Ribbon

Rachel021967 wrote:

As for my husband when I had my first daughter I came home after a week to find a week's worth of washing up in the sink. Any tips would be gratefully received.

:eek: Oh that's harsh. Can you draw up a rota of chores? It works for a couple I know who have a toddler and are both out full time.

taplady

Penelope_Penguin wrote:

Good luck, Taplady! :A

Let us know how you get on, and any tips and strategies.

Penny. x

I am at the moment writing a list of jobs I think the boys(14 and 16) should be able to do:rolleyes:
I just mentioned this to DS2 and he said write a list and he'll pick what he'll do:rolleyes:
I just said it was time they learned how to look after themselves ready for when they leave home as I dont want them living like slobs and having some poor woman (like I do at the moment!:o )doing everything for them

1. they already make their beds so I think its time they learned how to change the sheets too!
2. Wash up their dishes
3. learn how to cook
4. Ironing?:eek:
5. clean their rooms
6. wash the car

not sure what else to get them to do, any suggestions welcome!;)

OMG !:eek: DS2 just offered to make me a cuppa! without any prompting!:D
lets home this is a good omen!;)

taplady

Sallys_Savings wrote:

Taplady...hhhhmmmm when you've finished your family chat do ya mind popping over to mine and having a word with my lot?

will do if it works with mine!;)

Churchmouse

taplady wrote:

I am at the moment writing a list of jobs I think the boys(14 and 16) should be able to do:rolleyes:
I just mentioned this to DS2 and he said write a list and he'll pick what he'll do:rolleyes:
I just said it was time they learned how to look after themselves ready for when they leave home as I dont want them living like slobs and having some poor woman (like I do at the moment!:o )doing everything for them

1. they already make their beds so I think its time they learned how to change the sheets too!
2. Wash up their dishes
3. learn how to cook
4. Ironing?:eek:
5. clean their rooms
6. wash the car

not sure what else to get them to do, any suggestions welcome!;)

OMG !:eek: DS2 just offered to make me a cuppa! without any prompting!:D
lets home this is a good omen!;)

I would suggest:

sort washing ready for WM and how to load it. It's amazing how many people have no idea of separating even lights from darks let alone anything more refined.

Some very basic repair jobs. You know sewing a button back on, or securing a hem coming down, that type of thing.

Should be loads more but I can't think at the moment. Get back if anything occurs to me. I'm about to get back to the ironing, some of my best ideas come when I'm ironing!!;)