To write up a rule book??

[Charliej86]

My OH has just started to work away mon-Friday. In our house we have us, our 3month old son, my 10yr old daughter and almost 8yr old son plus OH's almost 17yr old niece.

I've debated post it's as reminders for things like putting rubbish in bin, turning out lights, putting washing in wash basket not top of the stairs, but I think my house would be covered.

So could I write a rule book?? I feel bad as most are aimed at DN as my kids are just starting on chores but feel I need extra help now OH is away. Must say OH would also have a few aimed at him when he's home.

Why not sit them all down and have a chat about what they think they could do to contribute? An 8 and 10 yo can do loads.

A chat with the whole family (3 month old allowed to skip it or sleep through it), see how the others feel

If you really need an actual rule book you probably have too many rules...

I don't think things like, turn out lights, put washer in basket, take your clean clothes upstairs (don't just come down and take what you need from pile) etc are too much, o think they're common sense.

We've done the sit them down and discuss what's expected many times it last a few days!

Yeah, the thing with kids is that they need to constant reminders.

They don't live in a house that's their's and their 100% responsibility to see the effects of slacking off. You don't learn "why" these things are important until you're on your own and let the place fall apart a few days and see how crummy it is to live in a messy place unfortunately. To them it's just another thing "to do" just like homework and taking their shoes off. I didn't bother with housekeeping much until I had DD and saw just how many things she could stick in her mouth

Unfortunately you might have to do a daily reminder of "Ok guys! Chores Time! Chop chop!".