The More We Work Together

It's hard to find work to hand over to the kids. They take constant monitoring and encouraging. Here is what we've accomplished:

They are now the sole dishwasher emptiers; Layne does the top rack and the silverware, Brik the bottom. I have to deal with kid germs on my clean dishes and messy cabinets, but it's getting better and you have to start somewhere, right? Layne cleans his room, which includes putting his toys back in the toy room, throwing away trash, hanging clothes on hangers and making his bed. They are also in charge of keeping the rest of the house free from kid clutter. Now they are doing laundry. Brik puts the clothes in the washer, they use teamwork to get them in the dryer and Layne takes them out of the dryer. Brik is super clumsy and is not trusted to stand on a stool. This video is one of their best work. Usually Brik is trying to throw the clothes to Layne with really bad throws, or he gets distracted and Layne stands on the stool saying "Brik, give me some more clothes!"

For years we have had a no TV policy, now that the TV and the gym is broken they are allowed 30 minutes a day once all chores are done. Layne is super motivated by this and has been super helpful, often asking "What do I need to do?" and encouraging his brother to finish, even helping him at times : ) Their video of choice; The Wizard of OZ.

Now for things we are working on: Hand washing pans, this has proven to be a soapy messy job that I have not been able to hand over. Sweeping; we are far away from this one, but I have them go through the motions sometimes. Matching socks/folding laundry; they complain it is too hard and I can't stand seeing the pile sit on the couch all day. They do take their own folded clothes to their room though, and sometimes other piles, they often become an unfolded mess by the time they get there.