So, I've started something new at our house called "Cause a Pause." Let me give you a little background about why we needed it and then I'll explain what it is. When you homeschool three kids and have a toddler (the baby in this picture) there are 5 people occupying your home pretty much 24/7 and it takes it's toll on said home. I found myself trying my hardest to be teacher, mom, chef, and the maid and it just wasn't working. Since I can't relinquish my jobs as teacher, mom, or chef (although I'm working on that,) I decided that since the little people in my home are making the majority of the mess, they needed to contribute significantly to cleaning up those messes. After all, it's their home too and they should feel some sense of stewardship over it. Over the years, I've taught them how to complete many different household tasks and they've been pretty good about getting them done, but usually not without a certain amount of grumbling or whining. What to do, what to do?
Then, I got the idea one day to have the kids stop what they were doing and have them help clean up. Usually when I do that, I get complaining, whining, and "just a minute, Mom." This time, I announced loudly that I was "causing a pause!" Then I told them the rules: 1)Cause a Pause only lasts for 30 minutes, not one second longer. After that no one is allowed to continue cleaning. 2)There are no specific jobs assigned and the entire house is included in the effort. If you see something out of place, pick it up and put it away, even if it doesn't belong to you. If you see garbage, throw it away. If you see dirt, clean it. If it needs to be vacuumed, vacuum it. If it needs to be swept, sweep it. 3)No talking (i.e., arguing, debating, bossing around, etc.) during Cause a Pause, it wastes time and we only have 30 minutes! 4)Bennet is exempt from participation unless he chooses to because we'd waste the entire 30 minutes trying to convince a three-year old to help.
So far, we've tried this a couple of times and I've been really amazed at the results! I usually tackle the kitchen while the kids go to it and I'll cheer them on from there, shouting words of encouragement, telling them to "hurry, hurry, hurry! We only have 10 minutes left!" I let them know when the 30 minutes is up and give them all high-fives. The house looks fantastic and everyone, though a little tired and sweaty, has a smile on their face and a feeling of accomplishment.
The "Cause a Pause" doesn't replace everyone's regular chores. Ellie and Madsen still have to put the clean dishes away, empty the garbage, and clean the downstairs bathroom. Hayden still has to scoop the catbox, mow the lawn, and help with the kitchen. Bennet still has to put a detergent packet in the dishwasher and start it. And I still have a bunch of chores too. However, I think this will put a big dent our constant state of clutter without all the whining and complaining.
