Let the Kids Help!

Summertime is the perfect time to establish new routines and habits into your household.  The kids are home from school and the daily routine has slowed down a bit. (I know, just a bit!) Are you taking advantage of this time? It's also a great time to do some things together while getting "chores" done. Make cleaning out the garage a family event! Make it fun. How about throwing in a scavenger hunt? Whoever finds mom's 45 of  "How Deep is Your Love?" wins a prize or gets to skip a night of doing dishes...use your imagination and make it fun!! Then move onto the next project. It's a great time to start teaching the kid's how to do things...here's where you need to let go of "perfect" or "crazy"a little.  For example, towels don't need to be folded a certain way - they really don't.   A ten year old will load the dishwasher like a ten year old - not like you but hey, dishwasher is loaded...let it be! Be sure to incorporate these new chores into  the schedule on a regular basis so when school starts, the routine is already in place and expectations are already being met!!