Chores to do

So, as the children get older, I try to introduce them to new things around the house called "chores". Sometimes it goes over well, and sometimes not. In the last few weeks, I've been having them sort their clothes and put them away. Most times they don't complain. Mallory likes to help me unload the dishwasher and Mason is good to feed the cat. So today, I was preparing to clean bathrooms. I've never really wanted them to be involved in this part of house-work, but today, Mason was insistant.

As I pour the Pine-sol in the toilet bowl, Mason comes in to ask me what I'm doing. As I tell him, he says, "I want to learn how to do that." With reluctance, I told him to come back in a few minutes and I'd teach him.

After 30 mins. or so, he asks if its time. By this time, he's gotten Mallory interested in the job. I teach Mason how to hold the brush, scrub the undersides of the basin and flush when you think you are finished. Mallory comes in during this process and asks if she can have a turn. Needlesstosay, Mason doesn't want to give up his new-found task. He feels a little control over the subject. As they proceed to the hall bathroom, Mallory is asking for the toilet brush. Mason refuses to give it to her, stating that "this is his new job and she can take out the trash!" A small fight develops and all I can think of is: My God. My children are fighting over cleaning the toilet. If I'd known then, what I know now, I would have started this teaching habit a long time ago!

After the fight settles down, Mallory says, "Mommy? Will you buy me a toilet brush so I can scrub like Mason?" Ahhhhhhhh! Another day in the life!