WFMW-Backwards Day-Getting Kids to Pick Up the Pace

Today Shannon at Rocks In My Dryer added a little twist to Works-For-Me Wednesday. She's making it Backwards Day! Instead of posting a tidbit of advice we are blogging about an issue where WE need the advice.

So here's my questions: How do I get my 6 1/2-year-old and close to 5-year-old pick up the pace with their duties? We came up with a chart/list that details everything they are responsible for during the day (getting dressed, brushing their teeth, etc.) and a few chores (emptying the wastebaskets, unloading the dishwasher, etc). The list is working well and they are enthusiatic about checking the items off as the get them done. The problem is that they have a tendency to take FOREVER at times, especially the items that fall just before bed. The purpose of the list was to get them to be more responsible on their own and allow me to back off with the constant reminders ("now put your clothes in the basket", "take your dishes to the counter", etc.). But if they are being pokey I'm still on them to keep moving and get the job done. Any advice for getting my kids to pick up the pace??????

Comments

[Kimberly H.]

Oooo... I know what you are talking about. I have a 7.5/5.5/2.5 y/o. We are working on the same issue. For the bedtime stuff we set the timer for the slowest one and the consequence is no story before bed if they aren't finished. Sometimes my husband gets them to pick up toys or do the checklist fast by promising roughhousing or tv with the time left over. Basically, we had to come up with a consequence for not getting it done. We have used putting away everything that was left out to going to bed early the next night the same number of minutes of time that was wasted not getting ready for bed. I have also tried to simplify and decrease things and distractions. But my middle one could get distracted by a piece of lint in the air. : )

[Andrea]

I also use the timer method. But we do have to remember that they're just kids! They go slower than we do because they stop and enjoy the moment! That doesn't mean we shouldn't spur them on, but be choosey. Maybe get them to start cleaning up before bed a little earlier? I think it's really important for us to decide what matters more - getting it done quickly, or just getting it done. If my kids can get their job done, it makes me happy! And I have had to let them take all day to do something, and then they lost out on something fun, which they definitely remembered next time!

[TX Poppet]

We sang our way through the chores! My son loved marching in time to the music. Think "This is the way we wash our hands, wash our hands, wash our hands, This is the way we wash our hands so early in the morning..." You'll come up with many more songs that work equally well and have fun doing it. Found you blog via WFMW. Glad I did.

[Kristin]

Counting! It works. I have a few "stop and smell the roses" kids in my bunch. So, when I see them doddling I start to count. I say, "You have until I get to 10 to get that job finished or you get an extra job." Works like a charm!