The First Step is Admitting...

I have a problem!  Growing up with a recovering alcoholic mom and stepdad, I heard numerous times, "The first step is admitting you have a problem."  Well, here it is... I secretly (well not so secretly now) hope my kids forget to do their chore so I can impose another task on them which is something I've been procrastinating doing or plain don't want to do.  There, it's out there.  Figuring out a chore system that mobilizes 6 children of differing ages has made me fantasize about relocating to Bali and living in a beach hut on a daily basis! 

This year I thought I came up with a system that works to my benefit.  If I have to remind my kids to do their chore more than one time, I impose another (less fun) chore.  I've explained to them in my best "I'm doing this for your good" tone, that if I have to remind them to do their chore more than once, that is more work for me; therefore, I will be forced to impose additional chores.  I mean, seriously, I have to answer to God for how well I've trained these precious ones (ok, that may not be my only motive). 

Baking Pantry

The other day, two of my kids had forgotten to do their chore after I had reminded them the customary one time.  I secretly gave myself a high five in my head for being so clever and straightened my face to make sure I looked disappointed at their poor memory.  My 14 year old sighed, "Oh man, what do I have to do?"  I told him he had a choice (choice always softens the blow and makes me seem extra generous), he could organize my baking pantry (yes, I have a baking pantry, I'm still in recovery not recovered) or the hallway closet.  He chose the baking pantry which left the hallway closet to my 13 year old daughter.  I literally had to walk away to keep them from seeing me do a little happy dance.  

Hall Closet

My game closet needs reorganizing, the regular pantry could use some help, the baseboards needs vacuuming, the stairs need vacuuming and there are two other closets that I've been pretending don't exist!  Here's to hoping I have forgetful kids today :)