tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3292921261406125884.post6226819219324756530..comments2023-06-10T02:40:22.195-05:00Comments on Damama's at it again!: Damama's Use It or Loose It Advice on: KIDS, CHORES & CONSEQUENCESDamama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00433392172815959276noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3292921261406125884.post-4196652155066589762008-04-15T20:47:00.000-05:002008-04-15T20:47:00.000-05:00Mommee - Sounds like you run a pretty tight ship. ...Mommee - Sounds like you run a pretty tight ship. When IS that dishwasher comin' in, anyway? Hand-washing that many dishes must take forever. =8-0Damama Thttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00433392172815959276noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3292921261406125884.post-42209689948415775292008-04-15T18:24:00.000-05:002008-04-15T18:24:00.000-05:00My older kids are responsible for picking up and s...My older kids are responsible for picking up and sweeping the first floor every evening. They run the washer and dryer and attempt to wash the dishes. They are usually still greasy, at least the plastic stuff, so I rewash them ones that need it.<BR/><BR/>Once my new dishwasher is delivered, we'll go back to the kids load, run and unload the dishwasher, putting dishes away where they belongs (or at least close enough to where they goes.)<BR/><BR/>I sort the laundry, as the little kids have no clue what clothing belongs to whom. The big kids are cleaning up the house, helping with their younger siblings or doing Homework. the kids rarely put their clothes away, as they follow hubby's bad example. I don't care if they wear their clothes from the clean laundry basket, as long as they don't spill the other clean stuff on the floor.mommeeof10https://www.blogger.com/profile/03611832953435781430noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3292921261406125884.post-43099942940478618452008-01-23T09:14:00.000-06:002008-01-23T09:14:00.000-06:00Since reading this post my oldest has learned to d...Since reading this post my oldest has learned to do the laundry, my middle child can now make mashed potatoes and my 15 month old helps me vacuum. And they are now cleaning their rooms (dusting, stripping beds, etc..)weekly along with their daily straightening. All of your reasons for me doing everything are absolutely dead on so I'm teaching myself to overlook the little details until the kids are gone to school and then I go behind and get what they've missed. My husband read your post too and immediately looked at me and said, "See, I told you so."Susanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17740687320714299676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3292921261406125884.post-62353579412991962432008-01-20T10:19:00.000-06:002008-01-20T10:19:00.000-06:00Susan! Wow, how did you get them to do that so fa...Susan! Wow, how did you get them to do that so fast? Did you threaten to send them to live with me for a while?? ;o) I know I must have just missed it somewhere, but how old are your kids? <BR/><BR/>I'm so glad you've started popping in here. And I'm TOTALLY HONORED that you added me to your blogroll! <BR/><BR/>I'll be back over to check on you soon.<BR/>======================<BR/>Hi Gracie. I'm so glad to see you here. I did a real stupid thing and deleted a section of my favorites and had lost track of your blog! DUH! <BR/><BR/>Anyway - when I come back from my forced march through military school preparation hell, I'll be over to check on you.<BR/><BR/>Hug the boy for me.<BR/>xoxoDamama Thttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00433392172815959276noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3292921261406125884.post-14719025335384796132008-01-19T11:03:00.000-06:002008-01-19T11:03:00.000-06:00This post was very helpful. As you know my little ...This post was very helpful. As you know my little guy G can be a handful at times, and as he gets older, I think this stuff might be helpfulGracehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12946135290784376051noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3292921261406125884.post-78758572388375511612008-01-19T01:31:00.000-06:002008-01-19T01:31:00.000-06:00I am proud to say that since your comment on my pa...I am proud to say that since your comment on my page my boys have learned to make homemade mashed potatoes and how to separate laundry. They've already gotten into the habit of keeping their rooms picked up and have even made their own signs to hang saying, "please do not get everything out."Susanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17740687320714299676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3292921261406125884.post-29848548652724859382008-01-18T22:34:00.000-06:002008-01-18T22:34:00.000-06:00GOOD FOR YOU KRISTI! Responsibility is important, ...GOOD FOR YOU KRISTI! Responsibility is important, but so is teaching balance and moderation in ALL THINGS - including neat-freak-mania.<BR/><BR/>Thanks for stopping by. I'll be back over to check up on you soon.<BR/><BR/>TTFN!Damama Thttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00433392172815959276noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3292921261406125884.post-17607678344280140222008-01-18T20:48:00.000-06:002008-01-18T20:48:00.000-06:00Yeah, I agree. My daughter is responsible for doin...Yeah, I agree. My daughter is responsible for doing what I ask. Normally she doesn't give me any problems. My son loves to clean, especially dust and windex. My hubs will help if he wants NOOKIE but not much otherwise. I have learned not to sweat my house and if it isn't perfect, OH WELL.kristihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17987700142247888708noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3292921261406125884.post-70732794961711362582008-01-18T10:43:00.000-06:002008-01-18T10:43:00.000-06:00Kalynne - Wow, thanks. I'd be honored to be on you...Kalynne - Wow, thanks. I'd be honored to be on your blogroll! As long as you don't mind me linking back to you, too! <BR/><BR/>I haven't read it all yet, so I'm looking forward to getting back over to your corner of the blogverse to check out ARE THEY ALL YOURS? AND OTHER FAQ'S OF LARGE FAMILY LIFE. Or is that a book that I need to watch for so I can buy?<BR/><BR/>Have a great day!Damama Thttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00433392172815959276noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3292921261406125884.post-47191518043351875572008-01-18T10:21:00.000-06:002008-01-18T10:21:00.000-06:00Woah, boy...if I got going on the chore issue, I'd...Woah, boy...if I got going on the chore issue, I'd be commenting all dang day. That's why it's got its own chapter in my perpetually in-progress ARE THEY ALL YOURS? AND OTHER FAQ'S OF LARGE FAMILY LIFE.<BR/><BR/>But I'm liking your blog, Damama! Mind if I blogroll you?Kalynne Pudnerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04804224012895512550noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3292921261406125884.post-42514248761228849492008-01-17T21:27:00.000-06:002008-01-17T21:27:00.000-06:00AZMom- You are much nicer than I'd be. I wouldn't...AZMom- You are much nicer than I'd be. I wouldn't have let him dig it back out. Now, when my boys were young I would have, but from the perspective of age, if I had more kids now - NOPE! Ya wanna play that game? Guess what: I WIN! LOL! <BR/><BR/>Keep me posted on how Little Bug does on her testing, please. xoxoxoDamama Thttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00433392172815959276noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3292921261406125884.post-25022539075086998002008-01-17T20:49:00.000-06:002008-01-17T20:49:00.000-06:00I love it! I do hold both of my kids accountable f...I love it! I do hold both of my kids accountable for their chores and they too have natural consequences. Case in point, tonight, Busy Boy refused to clean up his cars. The cars got taken away...1 day for every one that was not put away. So far, he is only up to 2. He then threw his toy Jeep at me instead of putting it away. He said, throw it away. So...I did. LOL He was not happy and I told him if he wanted it, he had to get it out of the trash. BOYS!<BR/><BR/>Thanks for all of your advice on my blog. I would never not listen to you! :-)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00868897398019194357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3292921261406125884.post-55068614986659962502008-01-17T18:32:00.000-06:002008-01-17T18:32:00.000-06:00Motherwise - Thank you. I consider that high prais...Motherwise - Thank you. I consider that high praise considering the source! <BR/>=======================<BR/>Heather - reasonable chores don't have to be fancy. Simply being required to ensure that their own dirty clothes are properly put away at bedtime and that their PJs are properly stowed in the morning is a great place to start. Stars on the calendar for doing it each day. No star for forgetting. Then at the end of the week, each gets paid a quarter a star. Or come up with something else they can earn for doing well. It really becomes self-reinforcing once they get a taste of success! Oh - and next time he asks, you should ask the doc what HIS chores are at home? I wonder if he takes the trash out! LOL!!<BR/>=======================<BR/>Kathy - Good luck. I'll admit that it is a lot easier said than done. But if you aren't even thinking about it, it won't ever even get started. <BR/>=======================<BR/>Angela - We have to get really creative with kiddos like LO. If you want some help brainstorming offline, please email me. You've been in my prayers and on my heart so much lately, but I haven't wanted to be pushy. You know I'm here if you need me. xoxoxo and (((((BIG BIG BEAR HUGS))))Damama Thttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00433392172815959276noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3292921261406125884.post-40847986280923640622008-01-17T16:39:00.000-06:002008-01-17T16:39:00.000-06:00Very well said! Thanks for reminding me to keep my...Very well said! Thanks for reminding me to keep my backbone! I'll need it when Little One misses her schoolbus again and I make her take a taxi to school.Angela Williams Dueahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05570848895164313428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3292921261406125884.post-22887818148782948042008-01-17T13:18:00.000-06:002008-01-17T13:18:00.000-06:00Wow! I'm not sure I could hold out with the smell ...Wow! I'm not sure I could hold out with the smell and all, but I'm glad she was able to! It certainly got the point across! Thanks, I'll try to keep this in mind.<BR/><BR/><BR/>www.kathy-iamwhoiam.blogspot.comKathyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06421713950020402708noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3292921261406125884.post-50147016825484826712008-01-17T11:31:00.000-06:002008-01-17T11:31:00.000-06:00I've been trying to come up with reasonable chores...I've been trying to come up with reasonable chores for my 6 and 4 year old. The pediatrician always asks them what their chores are, and they say, "We don't have to do anything!" Nice.Heatherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06021115136487735411noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3292921261406125884.post-28567753593747609502008-01-17T06:14:00.000-06:002008-01-17T06:14:00.000-06:00Wow - every mom should read that post. I don't kno...Wow - every mom should read that post. I don't know if I would have the same tenacity with garbage and smells but I stand in homage of this lady. The last part, comparing God with parents is so perfectly true.Motherwisehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10627354624733983721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3292921261406125884.post-65961558756974135912008-01-16T21:19:00.000-06:002008-01-16T21:19:00.000-06:00Angie - you can choose to take a stand now while i...Angie - you can choose to take a stand now while it is easier to mete out consequences or continue to bash your head against a brick wall that only gets thicker as they get older. <BR/><BR/>Parenting is a tough gig, huh! Nobody wants to be called the mean mom, but in the end your children, their spouses, and your grandchildren will bless you for your strength.<BR/><BR/>Hang in. xoxoxoDamama Thttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00433392172815959276noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3292921261406125884.post-82304966137449903342008-01-16T21:01:00.000-06:002008-01-16T21:01:00.000-06:00Amen to that. However, I am not so sure I am stron...Amen to that. However, I am not so sure I am strong enough. I usually end up naggin and then doing it myself. My 6 year old is a big help, but my 4 year old is as receptive as a brick wall.<BR/>KEEP BELIEVINGAngie @ KEEP BELIEVINGhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00930977696454848345noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3292921261406125884.post-52639119403473055152008-01-16T17:30:00.000-06:002008-01-16T17:30:00.000-06:00Lucille - Thanks Blis! Glad you approve. See - I c...Lucille - Thanks Blis! Glad you approve. See - I could never be mad at you. And that 'nuther blog thing - nah. It's hard enough for me to keep up with this one. And the other one that I tried didn't go much of anywhere. Glad you like the concept, though! xoxoxo<BR/>=======================<BR/>BBM - I'm so grateful that Hubby's mom wasn't a housekeeper at all. He puts up with my clutter most of the time, but I've gotten better over the years. My boys learned how to clean and do stuff early on, too, so Bug is good at helping out. Makes me so proud!<BR/><BR/>Too bad we can't all have Natural Born Cleaners like your Toddler! ;0) xoxo <BR/>=======================<BR/>Michelle - I guess I missed seeing how old your children are. But trust me when I say that when they turn into teenagers you sometimes have to get very creative in getting the "I'm still in charge" point across. But then you are very creative, so you'll do just fine! <BR/>======================<BR/>Jennifer.. BREATHE, honey! I've seen videos of your house when you thought it was messy - I was amazed that you could see floor, and individual toys, and furniture and everything! It is obvious that you keep things picked up, and with 7 kids you are very smart to be teaching them to help out. And if anyone calls you mean again, threaten to let them come live with me for a week... they will be begging to come home and follow your rules with a smile! <BR/><BR/>And if your mom has a problem with it, she can continue to do what she does - grab a rag and go to town. <BR/><BR/>Keep up the good work, Mom. You are doing fine.Damama Thttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00433392172815959276noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3292921261406125884.post-15535618752274500412008-01-16T16:09:00.000-06:002008-01-16T16:09:00.000-06:00I am one of those moms, much o my moms and my hsba...I am one of those moms, much o my moms and my hsbands ambarrassment, that doesn't need my house to be spotless. I have 7 kids, and if someone comes over, and the house is a mess (which it usually is) and they dont like it, or they are offended, they can do one of two things. 1) not come back over, or 2) start cleaning. My mom hates it because she has always been super strict on cleaning the house, and my version of a clean house, is her version of a big mess, LOL. I do love when she comes over to visit or babysit because my house is always extra clean when I get back.<BR/><BR/>As for the kids and chores. I am one of those MEAN MEAN MEAN moms. I make them do chores. All of them. The two older ones have alot to do. The younger 5 do to. Well not Levi. Lana, who is 18 months, she is in charge of putting stuff in the trash. She likes to do that. Johan, who is almost 3, he has to make his bed, put the toys away, and he straightens the couch cushions. He also helps me with the clothes during the day. Mickey and Isa prganize the toy buckets, and they are responsible for keeping their rooms clean. Their beds have to be made, and they have to pick up the trash and put it away, and all dirty clothes to the laundry room. Mickey will change the clothes from the washer to the dryer and reload the washer if anyone will let her. Jordan does the clothes after school, loads and unloads the dishwasher, wipes the counters, sweeps the kitchen, and vacuums the steps and downstairs laundry room. Andre vacuums the living and dining room upstairs, cleans the main bathroom, the hallway, and the trash. He helps out with the clothes during the day if I need to too. He also does whatever else that needs to be done. I am told all the time how mean of a mom I am. But they all have responsibility, and even if they gripe about it, it is teaching them stuff.<BR/><BR/>ok I have written a book here, so I will shut up. This is a sore subject for me though, LOL. <BR/>~JenniferJenniferhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05050466263238656666noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3292921261406125884.post-72744540463655700952008-01-16T15:39:00.000-06:002008-01-16T15:39:00.000-06:00Not sure I could do it...but hey, whatever it take...Not sure I could do it...but hey, whatever it takes!Michelle Hixhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03183208546874192076noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3292921261406125884.post-43696960770350537412008-01-16T15:04:00.000-06:002008-01-16T15:04:00.000-06:00If only my MIL would have done that to my husband,...If only my MIL would have done that to my husband, I wouldn't be trying to train him (still) 7 years after marrying him. Thank goodness the Toddler is good about cleaning up (when I make her).Burgh Babyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09123901504643963583noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3292921261406125884.post-74434500747302435692008-01-16T13:55:00.000-06:002008-01-16T13:55:00.000-06:00LOOOOOVE IT!That is an excellent post and I agree ...LOOOOOVE IT!<BR/><BR/>That is an excellent post and I agree with you 150%.<BR/><BR/>I do hold my 6-year old accountable for chores. My dear MIL has passed and I never met her to thank her for doing EVERYTHING for my dear hubby (insert sarcasm here)!<BR/><BR/>BTW_Love the Use it or Loose it - that might be a good second or third blog for you.<BR/><BR/>Go Damama, go!<BR/><BR/>xoxoxo,<BR/><BR/>meLucillehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04389051577488829610noreply@blogger.com