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We have one very simple rule in our house when it comes to domestic chores and that is 'always leave a room just a little bit tidier than when you go in.' This can be something as simple as folding the paper, straightening a cushion or putting a plate back in the cupboard. It makes a real difference with 5 of us in the house because small jobs get done 'on the go' as it were and rarely do huge piles of dishes, dirty laundry or papers mount up. We also have a rota system for the children where they get a little extra in their pocket money if they regularly carry out their chores. The chores are simple like putting dried dishes away, wiping round the kitchen surfaces or vacuuming the lounge (the vacuuming is very popular with the boys for some reason!)

When we organised who would do what we got together and decided which jobs needed doing every day and were boring so we shared them out, put them on the rota and now each child does the job every third day, making them less frequent and so less boring. Using the rule of making the place just a little tidier works wonders and because it often involves picking up after someone else it also makes for cooperation and people being grateful that someone else put their plate away and so on.

So, the small jobs get done which leaves the big ones like who cleans the toilets, who wipes the floors and who does the dusting. Usually, I have to admit , it is me but what I learned is that I do not have to be a super hero and do every thing every day. I do one or two main jobs a day, which takes about half an hour and can include ironing, washing, cleaning the bathroom or vacuuming all round. This means the jobs get done (eventually) yet our home still feels lived in and clean. Trying to do every job every day was pointless and no-one noticed in any case.

I think having a rota and routine does help with domestic chores because there are certain things which must be done like the bins and obviously you do these on collection day but there is no need to do everything and life is too short to be constantly scrubbing the front step!

Sometimes it still feels as if there is only me doing the regular chores but as the children grow older they have learned that jobs do not do themselves and so are very aware of the need to be often doing small things in the house. This way, peace reigns (usually) and we all enjoy the benefits. Living with other people does mean mess occurs but an easy rota and routine gets the jobs done.

Learn more about this author, Sammy Stein.
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