Family chores are sometimes a drag, but they don’t have to be.
We often handle our daily dose of necessary tasks in a haphazard and often inefficient way. Yet somehow we get it most of it done–washing clothes, dishes, sweeping, paying bills, shopping, walking the dog, repairing, cooking, recycling. Chances are though that someone is doing more than others, and that there’s friction, frustration and overwhelm somewhere under the surface.
Here’s a suggestion that will get you out of ruts and inte more of a groove: Get the family together for a job inventory circle. You can do this even if your child is a baby. It’s a chance to get really clear on what needs doing in and around the home, who ends up doing it, and how it can be done with greater enjoyment and less strife.
In your family circle, make a list of everything that needs doing, and who is doing it.
Now ask yourselves: Is this job really necessary? And if it is, can we do it differently, less frequently, more efficiently or with greater enjoyment?
As the full picture emerges, you’ll see patterns that might surprise you. Now that you know, you can decide on the changes that you feel will make the family chores more pleasant, graceful and efficient for all.
And remember to get your child involved too, in whatever way is appropriate for his or her age.