The Chore War is on

I just recently caught a woman on television, talking about kids and chores. I had to laugh, which was rude because this lady was no comedian! I was laughing at her nonsensical method of thinking and getting her children to accomplish tasks and family duties. Most of which all others would call chores. I can say this lady had good intentions.  She insisted on chore charts and allowances! She encouraged responsibility and chore time at 4:00pm each day or in the morning before they leave for school.  She also insisted on smiley stickers.  She has to be "a chore enforcement" officer, if there is such a thing.

In all honesty, I have major issues with chores.  Not necessarily doing them myself, but getting my kids to accomplish them. I don't think this would work for me, for my kids, or for us!  First of all, smiley stickers make me roll my eyes. (they don't make me smile)  Second of all, nothing is hardly ever done on time each day, let alone the same time each day!  Maybe, it's just me but chaos, especially this time of year, rules the nest! Maybe you can blame this Mama that has her A.D.D moments but, nothing has the same time......ever.

Besides the fact that I am a self declared quitter of chore sheets, I have a problem following through!  After a couple days, not only have the stickers have disappeared and went who knows where, but the chore chart has slipped off and under the fridge umpteen times. Since that has become a struggle in itself, I have moved onto doing the chores myself. Before you know it, the list is now 4 weeks old. It is empty with the exception of the first couple day of achievements!  The chart is crinkled, my children are still acting spoiled and I am more exhausted then ever.  Does the chart method work for you?

I know that I am failing my kids by not holding them accountable.  I try to hold them accountable by either chart or verbal commands.  The verbal commands is followed by the kiddos refusal and complaining.  I respond with screaming and yelling. Now, I am more exhausted plus my throat hurts and the toys are STILL on the floor.

This has been the latest war going on in my house!  My son is capable and willing to pick up the toys, some days, but on others it is a struggle!  Sometimes, I am just so tired!  The debate between us makes the task that much more exhausting. After I am done convincing him that He WILL be picking up the toys and I WILL be winning the argument and the struggle has ended, I could have cleaned the stupid, plastic toys myself!  If I did that I would, at least,  be in a better mood. Is it really worth the fight in the end?