Do you wonder when is a good time to get your children organizing?

I say, it's never too early!

My goal has always been that my children learn how to take care of themselves and the family home so that when they venture out on their own they are completely competent in all measures of organizing and cleaning.

In the beginning each child had age appropriate chores that were more about starting new habits than actually getting any work done. Particular attention is given to taking care of their bodies and their bedrooms.  Every year we assess what chores are being done and add on more chores or rotate what is already on the schedule.  Repetition is key.  A timer comes in handy too so that it doesn't feel like chores go on and on and on...

My discomfort comes with letting go of the control of a job that could be done very well by myself or my husband, to a job that will be done but not shiny and "my way".  There comes a day when you have to let go of the perfection and realize that life lessons are exactly that....lessons.  No one is perfect at first but the lesson is there to show us how to get to our destination. 

If you haven't started chores with your children you could be doing them a disservice.  Eye rolling and exasperated huffing will cease and a day will come when chores get done without hassle, but if you don't start now you will never reach this important plateau as a parent.  Your child will not know the pride of accomplishment by contributing to the family in an important way.

I'm proud to see my kids washing dishes and actually goofing off together instead of bickering. 

That's a good feeling that we should all have.

Chores.  It's a part of life.