Mom Tip #2

Get your kids involved in helping out around the house. We've given each of our older kids daily and weekly chores that they are responsible for. Even Micah whose 2 has a few responsibilities (like clearing his own dishes after a meal..even if some of it winds up on the floor, he helps clean that up when it happens)
We don't expect perfection but we do expect they do their chores well.
We let the kids pick some of the chores they want from a list we make up ahead of time. We also give each child a commision (allowance) every 2 weeks, that is based on how well they are doing their chores, if they do them without being reminded or complaining, and how many tasks they are doing. And we also have a fines chart..if they don't do, refuse to do, forget to do after being reminded, or do a very poor job when we know they can do better (which never happens, ha ha ha) ..we fine them a certain amount, write the fine down on the chart with some info like why they got the fine..and when it comes time to give their commision, we go over the fines chart with each child individually and discuss what if any fines each child might have and they have to pay back the fine to us or to whomever had to do the job they failed to do. If they have none we congratulate them for a job well done and thank them for working hard or not complaining.
I know it sounds complicated but it's not really. And it does require some patience and diligence (especially in the beginning) but in the long run it's a great way to build character and get them more involved in family life.

We also have implemented a "cleaning day" the past several months which has been great. Friday is our cleaning day. We spend the morning cleaning the house. Of course it's dirty before the week is up but I don't stress about it too much since I know that on Friday it will all get cleaned again. We of course do daily chores and there are always exceptions but for the most part we try to stick to our cleaning day.

Levi watering our plants (they really needed it!)

Micah loading his cup in the dishwasher (I know it's upside down but he's 2 what do you expect?)

Elijah taking his laundry to his room to fold and put away

Adah dusting (Just kidding we don't give her chores but she was trying to help:)