Organisational tips for the bigger family

[AlwaysTheMummy]

Do you run a tight ship or take each day as it comes.

I find even with my lot I have to keep on top of everything or we get into a huge mess.

xx

Misscutandstick - you must have a stronger personality than I have.

I find that my children have all been very helpful (in the main) up to secondary school age and then then the dodging starts to creep in. Lots of times they are asked to do something (and I am specific) they 'really need to finish this homework/revision/something' or 'oh, I was just on my way out and xxx is waiting for me'. That type of thing. It's difficult to leave something until the one asked gets around to doing it if there's a younger child who needs to work or do something in that area. This isn't all the time (and I'm possibly being a bit unfair to them), they can be willing and able but I think their dirt tolerance levels are quite a bit higher than mine And the oodles and oodles of praise when they do something doesn't work for mine (particularly the older ones), they seem to see right through it unless of course, I'm genuinely appreciative of something they know they did well.

I don't think I could use your method for the ironing. It would probably fall down at the "hanging carefully to dry" stage. I have very limited space to hang to dry and would be worried that my freshly washed stuff would get dirty again as most places in the house seem to be a thoroughfare. Also, there would be dh and ds1(when home) shirts, school blouses, dd1 workblouses. I do have a minimum of ironing but unlike you haven't managed to eliminate it all together. It's manageable, though, and like you I think it's good for the children to learn how to do things. So even my 8yo can iron simple things.

I would argue with you that school is very important. Imo it isn't but education is. Of course, I know you already know that as you home-educate one of your children.
And along with you, I agree that life skills are at least equal in worth to academic skills.

Well that turned into a bit of a ramble, didn't it?

oh Juuules you are a one! i admire your honesty, and restraint in posting!!!

Perhaps i am just young (eh??? who am i trying to fool?) and naiive in thinking that my children will remain so helpful. My 15y/o sees life very differently to an average 15y/o (EG i met an old friend whilst shopping who i hadnt seen in 5yrs, she mentioned that her 15y/o was off with his friends and had gone to see a movie... she asked what DS1 was doing, needless to say i wasnt about to tell her that he was probably playing hide n seek in the clothes rack whilst shopping with gran, and opted instead for the answer "yes, hes doing ok, hes tall...") and perhaps when the others reach that same age - they may not be as obliging!

I am impressed that your 8y/o can iron! I wouldnt dare trust mine with something so hot! hes an adventurous soul and loves tools... so there woould be a good chance that the clothes would be untouched while he learnt to iron: the carpet, his hand, his brothers hand, his own clothes - which he would be wearing... i even think there would be a distinct possibility of him trying it on the paintwork, just to see if it would.

xxx keeley

"naiive in thinking that my children will remain so helpful"

Not necessarilly. It might just be an issue with my children.

And with your sense of humour and good-naturedness you're probably more than capable of dealing with whatever comes your way.

oh juules you're a sweety! {hugs}

but I will counter that by saying that she is normally at her most helpful only when I have PMT, or there is money involved!!

their bedrooms tho......fighting a losing battle there I fear!

get the kids to muck in as much as possible. I have four - 8, 6 and 2x3. I make their sandwhiches, they chose fruit, crisps, and assorted and pack those themselves, - even the 3 yos. They know the rules mean not 3 cheese strings and they must have 1 or 2 bits of fruit.

They put their own washing in the basket. The dts are great at unloading/loading the wash machine while I'm doing something else. They all put their plates etc in the dishwasher after eating. They are responsible for tidying their own bedrooms, and the older two put their own clean clothes away.

dd is responsible for hoovering and dusting her room. This morning she watered the plants. dt2 feeds the fish. They are all capable of using the mini dyson, or getting a cloth if they spill something.

I find the more everyone does housework, the less trouble they get up to and then we can all go out instead of staying home!

My main problem area is school. At school dd is totally unorganised, and I never get letters etc. I do have three lists of school dates pinned up on the fridge. It's her responsibility to ensure she has what she needs for school though.

Do EVERYTHING the night before! I can get up at 7, and leave at 8, with either 3 or 5 children ready for school (2 different primaries, 1 secondary). Evening routine: dinner, children (except ds2) pack own school bags, lay out clothes, put bowls, and each child's choice of cereal on kitchen side. (in the box!). Do lunchboxes, check if snack money/ trip money/swimming money is due, put in envelope in kids bags. Check what after-school clubs are on, make mental note of what time each child needs picking up (or use reminders on mobile, brilliant if you're me!). Errr...kids baths, they go to bed, cursory bag check by me to ensure i-pod/mobile/ games console hasn't 'jumped' into any bags . If start of week, double check newsletters for forthcoming events, then collapse into chair, knowing I can get an extra hours sleep next morning!