Tips to get kids to be organized, independent and help!

Please post here. I have a 6.5 yo and 9 yo. the 9 yo is more mature, helpful and organized both bec of her age and personality. However, I am single mom, work FT and recently had shoulder surgery so need to lay off using my right hand/arm (yes I'm RH dominant).

Our morning routine is that I make lunch, get them breakfast, pack snacks and get myself ready, pack my own lunch for work.

They dress, brush teeth, brush their hair, but sometimes I help with hair. I do make them come into the kitchen to get their bowls, milk, whatever they need to take part in getting their own breakfast but this is not consistent as some things are too high, require to use the stove, etc.

They don't have a lot of chores but I stress picking up after themselves and self care (like taking a shower on their own). My older DD will empty the dishwasher. They bring their dishes from the table to the sink. They help fold and put laundry away. And help clean up/organize their room as needed.

I feel like I need more help from them though. Evenings, we get home at 545. Dinner, play outside, check backpacks and make sure hw is done (they do it in after-school care). I empty their lunchbags. Then showers, read and bed. So, there isn't a lot of time in the evenings for them to help me, plus I feel guilty/want them to be kids and think they are quite tired after a long day (so am I!!).

Any suggestions to get them to do more would be appreciated. I do a "coupon" type reward for listening and doing small things that are expected of them. But, I don't always follow through with incentives.

Message edited 9/12/2012 3:46:17 PM.

Re: Tips to get kids to be organized, independent and help!

DD & I usually pack lunch for the next day while I'm making dinner. That way, we get 2 chores done at once & have fun doing it together.

Maybe that would work for you & your kids?

Re: Tips to get kids to be organized, independent and help!

I would develop a morning and an evening routine in which they both do some chores. Everyone can be doing something so you are all working together as a family to get the chores done and then have more time to enjoy together.

Re: Tips to get kids to be organized, independent and help!

Re: Tips to get kids to be organized, independent and help!

Sounds like our routine also, except we get home around 630pm.

I really like the idea of having the kids help pack their lunch while you're making dinner. I would also go ahead and pack your lunch, so your mornings are just about getting dressed and ready for the day.