Go Fish
We've decided that it's time Vika and Eamon started earning their keep, so we've started a new chorse system in our house. The kids have always had their personal morning chores to do (making their beds, getting dressed, brushing their teeth and bringing down their dirty clothes), but now we figure they're ready for a bit more. A couple of weeks ago, there was an episode of Supernanny in which Jo had the kids "fish" for their chores. The kids on the show had a lot of fun doing this, and got to work on their chores right away. Jeff and I looked at each other with this "of course!" expression on our faces. Our kids love to pretend to fish, and so we figured they would be totally into this method of chore assignment. It was kind of a "Why didn't we think of that?!" moment.
So, I dragged Eamon to Michael's, looking for something that would serve as our fish. Walking down the aisles, I spotted four Foamies fish for 50% off. Perfect! Then we bought some magnets and a blue collapsible bucket (for the "water"), and we were ready to go. After the kids were asleep, Jeff and I attached the magnets to the fish, constructed a magnetic fishing pole, and wrote two chores on each fish. When we explained the activity to them the next day, Vika and Eamon were incredibly excited.
Now, The four of us "catch" a fish each morning, which tells us our two chores for the day. Vika and Eamon love this so much that they've been enthusiastically helping out around the house all week!
When we get ready to fish for chores, Jeff and I like to taunt the kids. That's just the kind of parents we are. :) The exchange usually goes something like this:
Me: The "water plants" fish is mine! I'm so getting that one!
Vika: Nooooo! I want that fish!
Me: It's mine! (evil laugh)
Jeff: Eamon's going to get cat kakats! (cleaning the litter box)
Eamon: (cackles)
Today, Vika finally got the fish she so desperately wanted to catch. While dancing around the room in a cocky manner, she sang, "Woo-hoo! Woo-hoo! I got water plants! Papa got the litter box! Oh yeah! Oh yeah!" She just loves it when Jeff has to do something gross.
If any of you have kids who are hesitant to do their chores, I highly recommend this method of assigning the jobs (or something similar which suits your child's interests). It gives them a little control over what work they have to do, yet keeps things fun too.
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
So, I dragged Eamon to Michael's, looking for something that would serve as our fish. Walking down the aisles, I spotted four Foamies fish for 50% off. Perfect! Then we bought some magnets and a blue collapsible bucket (for the "water"), and we were ready to go. After the kids were asleep, Jeff and I attached the magnets to the fish, constructed a magnetic fishing pole, and wrote two chores on each fish. When we explained the activity to them the next day, Vika and Eamon were incredibly excited.Now, The four of us "catch" a fish each morning, which tells us our two chores for the day. Vika and Eamon love this so much that they've been enthusiastically helping out around the house all week!
When we get ready to fish for chores, Jeff and I like to taunt the kids. That's just the kind of parents we are. :) The exchange usually goes something like this:
Me: The "water plants" fish is mine! I'm so getting that one!
Vika: Nooooo! I want that fish!
Me: It's mine! (evil laugh)
Jeff: Eamon's going to get cat kakats! (cleaning the litter box)
Eamon: (cackles)
Today, Vika finally got the fish she so desperately wanted to catch. While dancing around the room in a cocky manner, she sang, "Woo-hoo! Woo-hoo! I got water plants! Papa got the litter box! Oh yeah! Oh yeah!" She just loves it when Jeff has to do something gross.
If any of you have kids who are hesitant to do their chores, I highly recommend this method of assigning the jobs (or something similar which suits your child's interests). It gives them a little control over what work they have to do, yet keeps things fun too.
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
I love it!! In fact, it gives me something to do while I'm home sick! Thanks for the tip :-)
cute idea. hope you are all doing well.
Love,
SBP
Hi SBP! We're all doing great, and used your gift yesterday! I'm making a post about it to post later today. :)
What a very cool idea, make the kids WANT to help. I gotta tell my sister about this now :)