To expect to be able to do at least SOME chores/ work while the kids are off on half-term....

[Cornflakemum]

I work when they're at school, so try to use some of the time when they're off to catch up with chores/ decluttering/ odds & sods etc.

We have already done lots of trips/ tennis/ park/ walks etc, but as soon as we come home again I can't seem to get anything done for more than about 15 mins before they start fighting/ wingeing, or wanting to do something which necessitates MY involvement.

OK, I expected this when they were little, but they're 9 & 6 FFS!

Please tell me what to do [tearing hair out icon...]

I get them to do all the chores

What sorts of things Squeaky?

Mine want paying pocket money for chores!!

clean the bathroom
hoover
anything,

or put on a dvd!

i have exactly the same problem btw, you should see the house after 6 weeks summer holidays. or perhaps not.

separate them....give them something to do in different rooms. why can't they play quietly in their rooms? my lot are usually quite tired after trips out and will settle down happily to do something quiet....sometimes tho,they need a little persuading that they need to sit quietly!!

Don't go unless there's blood. Or ominous silence. On second thoughts, if there's silence use it as a chance to get on with whatever you want to do.

I think you need to set their expectations so tell them "we're going to do xxx nice things and then I need to do xxx, you can either help me or do your own thing but I won't be free again until I've done it. When I have we can do cxxx" Works for mine most of the time (11 and 5)

Mine are 9 and 11 and they have to help me. From time to time through the day I interrupt their play and give them a job to do. If they are squabbling I will get one of them to come and help me for a bit.

We've spring cleaned most of the house this week so far. Today I need to do my bedroom and finish the playroom then we're done.

Wonder how soon before I can teach my computer-mad 9-year old how to list things on eBay?

I had all five of mine cleaning out the loft on Monday. My contribution was to take stuff to the dump community recycling centre.

They have taken the dog to the clippers.

They have shopped for food and helped me cook it (interesting meals instead of the usual quick stuff we have to deal with during the school year).

They have done all the housework.

They have disemboweled their wardrobes and drawers to get rid of stuff or pass down old clothes.

They still manage hours on end at the computer, and none of them have started their homework yet.

We've just finished the playroom and are all feeling very satisfied.
ds1 has rediscovered all sorts of things he'd forgotten existed
ds2 has my genes and has chucked loads of stuff out

Over lunch ds2 just said "and the best thing we discovered is how well we can all work together as a team!"

The last room left to blitz is our bedroom, but I think they might rebel if I suggest they help with that

I am inspired by this - I went away and told DS1 he had to help me make lunch, and he did! Spag Bol and a yummy aplee & blackberry crumble with blackberries we had in the freezer from when we collected them way back in Sept.

I clearly now need to rethink of my children as my workers, not my masters...

Hmm!! Can this work for 3 year old and 11 month old? Could strap a duster to the babes knees and he could do the floors as crawling?!

3 year olds good for matching socks apparently... (but i never managed it)

I have one dd and getting anything done is a nightmare espcially as she has no local friends she can play with. I have given up and am now mumsnetting,

Am slightly concerned as se went upstairs 15 mins ago to make a science lab in her room and it has been silent since.

Silence is OK twinset, it's an explosion rocking the foundations of the entire neighbourhood that you need to worry about

lol roisin she has emerged with very shiny skin apparanty she has made some body lotion which she is going to bottle and sell.

My sone earns computer time by doing chores- hoovering, drying dishes when I wash up, etc. It works for us

malteaser my 18 month dd 'helps' by loading clothes I've sorted into the washing machine and unpacking and putting away shopping. Obviously she needs help/ supervision, but it's setting the groundwork for the future...