My children are very lazy. I blame myself. In my desire to live in a manner different from which I lived in as a child, I want everything to look nice. Neat. Problems don’t exist in tidy houses. Of course I realize this is usually the opposite, but it makes me feel in control. As I am outnumbered, I really need to feel in control of our chaos. I like things done right, which means my way, so I have a problem delegating my household chores to those I live with, who are shorter than me.
As my writing commitments become greater (yay!) this has become a problem. A good problem, but a problem. I simply have less time. I need help. I expect certain little people to start doing their part: clear the table, pick up their clothes, put away their toys and make their beds. This has been met with great resistance. I’ve been shocked by the reactions of my four lazy, entitled little people. Aside from the irritation I feel for their unwillingness to do what I say to help me, I fear that I’m going to be sending them out into the world lacking some very valuable skills. So I soldier (nag) on.
I told them that they had to clean out the car, because quite frankly, the inside of the car is disgusting. I’d like to emphasize that they and all their stuff transform our vehicle into something I really can’t let people see (or smell). Imagine my surprise when I walked outside to check on them and saw this:
Maybe there’s hope for them after all. That, or they just like to play with the hose!
Too cute!!! I hate to tell you that it gets worse the older they get. The grunts and sighs also get more annoying. 🙂
That’s what I’m afraid of. Hunter’s morning grumpiness when directed to a task, produce sighs that shake the windows!
Just wait until they ask you for te car keys, it is then yo realize ow qickly they grow up!
I’m certain that I’ll have to be on medication by then!
It never ends! I asked Camille when she was home last weekend if her bathroom was clean, she replied that it was. A few days later I went in just to see for myself. It was DISGUSTING!
Not my Camille, she would not do that:)!
But her bathroom could not be worse than B&H’s…that is the epitome of disgusting!
I have completely given up on nagging my children. As nice as I ask my 3 boys to do anything, usually I have to ask 10 times before anything happens. When it does happen, I have to back 3 more times (atleast!) to make sure it gets done right. It’s exhausting but I so want my children to grow up to be responsible (and clean!) adults. I think making the job fun (like your children decided to do) is the key to making it happen. I’m going to try that next! Good Luck latchkeymom!
I think your boys know you’re a push-over, and I mean that in the best way. Your smiles and laughter, proably do little to intimidate them! Mr. T. is pretty good at following directions at our house.
Oh – and you can imagine Big Daddy’s reaction when he came up on this – while I was laughing and taking pictures. Let’s just say, my car is still dirty!