So I'm going to share with you, because maybe they will change your life too. Or not. Whatever.
The first is an app that my Genius-Friend-Heather told me about over iced coffees. Good things come over iced coffees. It's called
Chore Monster.
So I linked to the website, but I actually got it in the app store (free) and use it from my phone. The kids use it from their kindle/ipad/etc. It's super easy to set up, and seriously...the 10 year old and even the 12 year old are ASKING TO DO MORE CHORES. I'm not even kidding.
You can set up rewards, short term and/or long term. When they do a chore, it sends you a message and you can approve the chore if they actually did it. The amazing thing is, it has taken out all the nagging that was previously involved in our chore life. I don't know if it's because it's easy to use, or fun, or motivating because they can see the numbers, but dude. It works. Also, our house is clean. And the van is clean. And the yard and garage are pretty decent too because my kids are apparently highly motivated by sugary treats and REWARDS.
Lucy is 5, and I help her navigate it on my phone. I made one of her chores "Staying in Bed when you are tucked in so that Mommy doesn't lose her mind." And this week: stayed in bed. *hallelujah*
This little app has made us all like each other better. And things are clean. Happily Ever After.
The other thing that has changed my life is Clean Mama.
I first found her on Instagram as cleanmama. She has chores broken down into the simplest of routines. And on Instagram she puts a cute little reminder out each day about what she's doing. I followed her all winter and spring, without ever actually joining in on her process. Because sometimes (mostly all the time) I like the idea of being really organized, while actually just being a procrastinator.
But a month or so ago I printed off one of her free lists, and then after staring at it for a couple weeks, I actually started it.
It's the best thing ever for me.
I'm kind of a cleaner. Junk all over makes me feel claustrophobic and so I'm constantly picking up. But my brain is squirrel-ish and I get distracted easily, so no one task ever felt completely done, even though I was working on stuff allll the live long day. Clean Mama's simple system and easy list keeps me on track and my squirrel-brain has decided it's totally do-able.
Here's a simple breakdown, but check out her website because she explains it better and in more detail. And it works, I swear.
Mondays- bathrooms (but not floors, because that's on Thursdays)
Tuesday - Dust
Wednesday - vacuum all floors, top to bottom
Thursday - Wash hard floors
Friday- Catch up on stuff
Saturday - Towels and Sheets
It's kept me on task, and helped me do some of the stuff that I usually put off for so long that when I do have to do it, it's super disgusting and makes me want to scream. (the boys bathroom, for instance) This week when I did the bathroom, it wasn't so bad. I mean still gross...but whatever.
With the kids doing chores, and Clean Mama's system, I feel like things are manageable. Not perfect, but good enough. And that helps. A ton.
And for the record, I don't work outside the home. Kudos to the Mom's who do. You're amazing. And deserve a cleaning lady. So my recommendation for you, is Chore Monster and a cleaning lady. Because that's what I would do. ;)
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