Do your kids have chores?
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Every Thursday, I share one action, habit, or project you may want to undertake in order to improve your health, happiness, and sense of well-being.
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PROJECT OF THE WEEK
Do Your Kids Have Chores?
Recently, someone asked one of my kids if they have chores.
She quickly replied. "No, I would hate that!"
I couldn't help but smile.
She was right. We don't have chores in our house.
We do have family responsibilities.
Everyone is responsible for cleaning up after themselves and supporting "the team.”
Everyone cleans up what they take out.
Everyone clears their own plate.
Everyone cleans the table where they eat.
Everyone puts their dirty clothes in their hamper.
Everyone hangs their wet towel.
I am sure you get the idea.
By everyone doing their fair share, there isn't much left over.
Why am I sharing this?
This is a great example of why it's so important to think about the words we choose and the perspective we take.
The same kid who said she would hate chores, rarely complains about her family responsibilities.
My guess is the girls are proud to fulfill their family responsibilities. They love showing everyone their rooms. They appreciate the fact that they can always find things when they take the time to put them away in the right place. They enjoy the structure of their day.
Their family responsibilities are quick and simple and yet allow our house to run smoothly.
Getting Started
This week’s getting started is all about your language. How can a change in verbiage or perspective help you or your family?
Is there a new habit you have been working on implementing or a project that has stalled? Or, are there repeated arguments over the same topic?
One of my favorite ways to change perspectives is to shift my words, which in turn shifts my thinking. Instead of saying, “I have to…” try “I get to…”.
Below are a few examples:
I have to wake up at 5:30 AM --> I get to wake up at 5:30 AM and enjoy my coffee while journaling.
I have to write a blog entry today --> I am lucky to create a new blog about something I am passionate about.
I have to go to the gym today --> I am lucky to have a body that is strong and healthy enough to work out.
I can't eat carbs --> I get to feel better and have less stomach aches by not eating carbs.
Try implementing this with your kids, too.
When your daughter complains about doing her laundry, try shifting her perspective to, “I get to help with laundry so that my mom and I can spend more time together.”
Same idea with setting the table for dinner, “I am lucky to be able to set our table and enjoy dinner with my family.”
Let us know how changing your perspective has positively influenced your life.
Ready to Get Started?
If you feel excited about implementing this strategy and want some additional accountability and support to get started, the It’s All in the Planning Starter Pak was designed for you!
A Note from Happy Spaces
The goal is to add value to your life. If you think this project will add value:
Estimate how long you think it will take. I would recommend doubling the time you estimate.
Look at your calendar over the next week and pick a date and time to get started.
Make an appointment on your calendar for the estimated time.
If you estimate that completing this project will take longer than one hour, I recommend doing it over multiple days. This will support you in getting started!
Prior to starting this project, take a few minutes to make a step-by-step list of EVERY action you need to take to complete this project.
It's not all or nothing. You can choose to implement only the parts of this project that add value to your life.
An Accountability Partner can be a great support in following through on your goals and commitments.
We understand how challenging it can be to implement new habits and systems. For additional support please go to HappySpacesBySarah.com.
Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®
Sincerely,
Sarah Weingarten
Meet Sarah
Growing up as the oldest of nine siblings in Upstate New York, I learned to use organization to create sanity among the chaos. Today, I work together with individuals, families, and small businesses to create habits, systems, and spaces that support their needs, goals, and dreams. Clients often refer to our work together as "life-changing" and "better than decades of therapy". What I love most about my work is the lasting impact it has on real people's lives. Nothing makes me happier than hearing the many success stories of clients I have worked with.