A Little Help

If you're not aware, I love my house clean. It brings me great joy, almost like winning the lottery. When my house is clean, I mean really clean not just straightened, I stand at the top of the stairs and look over the house with happiness.

Chris has been great at teaching our kids to participate in Saturday chores. To be honest, I'd rather do it myself than have the help because they just don't seem to make it sparkle enough for my OCDness.

The other day I was headed to work (that's a whole other story for later), but it was killing me to leave. My kids were sad, I was sad, the laundry was piling up and the house was a disaster.

Feeling overwhelmed, I decided to finally ask for help.

I pulled the kids aside and gave them each a task. Tyler was asked to clean two bathrooms. This is everyone's least favorite job, but I would rather do it because I know I'll get all the grossness of the toilets, with my kids I'm not so sure. He did a fine job, but there is still a lot he needs to learn. Still, I'm grateful to not see the spit all over the mirrors any more.

Alexa needed to unload the dishwasher w/ help from Tyler and help Caely fold the laundry. She did a great job!

Caely got the biggest task. She was to wash and fold all the laundry. Remember, the girl is only 8 so I was a little worried she wouldn't remember stuff like the right water temp or how much soap or which load got fabric softener and so on....
When I got home, the laundry was done and it was all laid out and folded for each person on my bed, just like I do it (well, almost).

I was so proud! It was such a relief! My kids are amazing!! We expect a lot from our kids, and they've met the challenge. It's nice to know that no matter how much we screw them up, they are also learning some great life lessons. It all balances in the end, right?