Workforce part 2, The blueprint
This is part 2 of forming tomorrow's workforce,
if you stumbled onto this page and want to see where this train of thought came from
check this out, if not, carry on.
After all you're in charge, see, homeschooling is great that way!
Here are a few nuts and bolts for constructing your own list of duties.
>What chores need to be done daily and which are weekly? Write them out on a blank calendar page.
>What are the ages of your kids? Shoot high! there is a sense of accomplishment when a child does a job that appears to be "above" their level of expertise. Perhaps ask your youngest what they feel they can accomplish from the list of jobs you compiled. OR buddy up and have young kids help you on jobs they can't quite do solo, until they can.
>How many kids to you have? This is where having a whole bunch of kids ROCKS! (ok it rocks all the time, but especially when we are getting stuff done!) If you have one toddler, they can still help out and build skills, but keep it mind what they can do and WHAT YOU ARE TEACHING here. We want to build confidence and skill, not just get your to do list done.
>Different methods
Daily item This works great with a chart on the fridge, kiddo comes down and looks at list, does the one thing they need to do. You check it off and get on with your day. Great for all ages, use pictures if need be. When they are young one job per week or month is easier to really get the chore down, rather than a different thing every day. Again YOU KNOW YOUR TEAM, switch it up daily if your crew handles that better.
Regional/ jurisdictions Here the worker has an area to watch all day. I find this works best with older more advanced thinkers.
The Draw a card method Here is one that works to motivate kids in other areas, like say, getting out of bed. The chores are on 3x5 cards in a spot (counter or table), first one to the cards pick a chore. Last kid there gets what is left and sometimes the least enjoyable chore. This has motivated some of my kids, others don't care, which is a win-win for me.
On the fly This is a bit free form for me, but we have practiced it by default in the past. This is frustrating for my team, not knowing what they may need to do. I also have trouble keeping this one "fair", but we know life isn't fair. This model looks like this; kids approach the school table, and I assign on the fly what needs to be done." (not my fav)
Your system You can't do it "wrong" it's your gig, let it grow and evolve. Get feedback from your team, let them know their input matters to the welfare of all. Family dinners and family meetings are a great time to get their ideas, but one on one is good too.
No matter what you land on, give them feedback! When they do it right, let them know. When they could improve, help and show and train them. It is more important than garbage and dishes, you got this!
In addition, chores for our home is not the only place our kids can learn a great work ethic. Be on the lookout for opportunities to serve, or step up to help where it is needed. Community events, church outreach or weekly programming, pet shelters, neighborhood events, there is a plethora of adventures in volunteering available. It gives our kids the chance to experience the reality first hand that they are a unique and vital part of a healthy community. They have much to offer, and "home chores" are really just sharpening those skills!
~Jeanette
