We're back!

After running between country and city suburbs three days running, I think we can officially state that we've done our dash!

The children ALL did a fabulous job, especially on the later shows. This being our first year committed to the competition troupes, it was very much an eye-opening experience. We enjoyed watching the other dancers and learning from them, but I think the highlight was that the children got to actually get away and dance with their friends three times over.

Now that we're back, I've spent a relaxing day drinking too much tea and contemplating how we'll get organised again for next term. I'm mainly focusing on the homefront today.

One little challenge we've always had is how to share out the chores evenly amongst the children. One is better at sweeping than the other, and visa versa with wiping benchtops. Still they both must learn that it's a job needing to be done and that both need to practice it to get it right.

So, my thinking is that we'll use a similar system to what I've seen on FlyLady. Have you seen this before? A few years ago I was introduced to FlyLady and it made it much easier following her 'baby steps'. What's more is that all the information is FREE (because I really enjoy freebies, don't you?!) Each week is a focus on a different Zone of the house. Ie: week 1, zone 1, the entrance way and dining room.

So, I will allocate a zone to the children each month with regard to certain chores. This will be used in conjuction with a system we already have in place, called Accountable Kids.

This wasn't a free program, but it has certainly helped them 'check' their chores. When we first got this, Maestro got up so early to feed the chickens, just so he could turn over the card ... he was up before they had come out of the coop! (That was a few years ago.) We've also found it beneficial with little bad habits that need overcoming, as we can use this system to reward the children in their efforts.

It would be very easy to make up something like this yourself. There are plenty of ideas for children's chore charts, but this is one we've employed.

So, new as of today, it's Maestro's job to keep the bathroom tidy with a daily wipe of the vanity and general tidy up, twice weekly sweep and mop, toilet clean, plus bath/shower clean. Mariposa is learning about how to stack and unstack the dishwasher, wipe and tidy the benchtop and sweep/mop the floor. These will be their jobs for this month then we'll change.