Friday, March 06, 2009

Clean sweep

Tyler has been very busy and not home much this past week which has made things rough on me tending 3 kiddos ALONE. *ahem* For FHE I thought it would be good to review the basic roles of what a Dad & Mom do. We talked about how the Dad goes out to work to earn the money for the house, food, etc. The Mom takes care of the children and runs the household. Then I asked how the children could help the Mom in her role of running the household...then "we" came up with the 10 minute CLEAN SWEEP! Every evening just before bed we clean the house for 10 minutes - mainly the living room and kitchen/dining room area. I have to say that it's been fantastic! Anna is such a great helper in cleaning. And Kristina will clean as long as she is specifically directed in what to do - put the shoes away, etc. And Keith, well, he just sits there and looks adorable. :o)

Tonight we did our 10 minute clean sweep and then I put the twins to bed. I told Anna that she could work on her bedroom (since it's a disaster) while I was putting the kids down. A few minutes later she came in to Keith's room and informed me that she had swept and mopped the kitchen, cleaned the counters and the chairs at the table (things she's never done by herself up to this point). She was SO satisfied with this and I must admit, I was thrilled at her excitement for cleaning! We hurried to the kitchen to investigate her work. I smiled as I saw standing water on the chairs, counters and the HUGE puddle of water on the tile floor in the kitchen. Anna was SO excited about all her cleaning, how could I not smile and compliment her? I asked her, though, how she got so much water onto the floor. She pointed to the sink sprayer. Ha ha! I certainly love my little Anna Belle. What a lucky mom I am to have her.

9 comments:

Dirk and Trish said...

That is too cute! Sometimes it's hard to encourage them to pitch in when it seems to double your workload, but it's so important to capitalize on that enthusiasm. L's job is to hand me clean dishes and I put them in the cabinets. After the first week or so, it really is helpful now.

Saquel25 said...

It's at times like this that I go into a quiet corner and chant "it's the thought that counts" over and over.

Melisa said...

I'm sorry it has been tough. I'm glad you have such good helpers. :o)

Alabama Apples said...

We love the 10 min clean up. It seems to be just the trick when no one wants to help me straighten. Good for Anna for wanting to be the big helper and good for you, Jill for being so patient with the standing water. You and your patience is such a testimony to me. Thanks!

PS- Your girls were beautiful little princesses! What a fun family outing!

Stefanie said...

That's a great idea! I'll have to remember that for when my baby is old enough to "help" me around the house.

Krista said...

Love it! How great that she gets the idea of helping you! We've tried the 10 minute clean sweep and I think you motivated me to start it up again....tomorrow. ;)

(Well, the kids are already in bed you see.)

Karin said...

What a fun idea!!! :) I dreamt I met your twins last night...so fun! I must have been thinking of your beautiful family. Have a wonderful week...and keep cleaning!! :) (It does pay off! Jakob can do dishes pretty much by himself now--though he definately likes to have someone with him for company's sake!) Hugs!

Sarah C said...

That is a good idea. Anna is such a good helper.

Carina said...

Aww, good job, Anna! It's adorable that she's so eager to help =)