My Holiday Wish List
Ah to be a child again, and to simply feel that all you have to do to get what you want for Christmas (or fill in the blank with your holiday) is put a list together, send it to Santa (aka Mom and/or Dad) and wait. My children still provide a list of things they want just so we are aware of their desires. Well it's high time they knew what's on mine - is this so much to ask? And by the way, don't get me wrong, this isn't news to my crew. These things are on their list of things to do, but they rarely do them without a bit of whining, as if that will make me want to have them stop helping out. Do your children do their chores without whining about them? If so, you'll have to tell me your secret. And it can't involve money because I don't think they should be incentivized to do normal, everyday chores around the house that need to be done for money or points. They should do them because they live under our roof and should respect that it comes with the territory of living under it. They should learn not to take things for granted. Okay, so here's my short list. You don't want to see my long list!
-
Stop the whining. Don't frown and state "why do I have to do more than her!?", "Why me?!", "It's not MY turn!" "Why do I have to do it?!" Simply do your chore with a smile. You're lucky you don't pay rent - yet!
-
Clean something off the floor, counter, table without being told to clean it up - even if it isn't yours.
-
Wipe the sink.
-
Sweep the floor, vacuum the rug.
-
Say, "Hi Mom, I love you! How was your day?"
-
Wash your dish and my dish after dinner.
-
Acknowledge that I'm your chauffer, say "Thanks for driving me everywhere, Mom!"
-
Clean the toilet. Get that brush, wipe the bowl down, and don't forget to wipe the seat too. And put a new roll of toilet paper on the spool when it's empty.
-
Feed and walk the dog without being told to (ok, I have to admit - I see that you guys are actually making this happen lately without my having to tell you - great work. My wish list is starting to come true!)
-
Take out the garbage and recycle bin when you see that it needs to be taken out - rather than when it is up to the ceiling. And don't forget to put a fresh garbage bag in the bin when you're done.
-
If you notice something is amiss, like the lightbulb is out, that there's a drip coming from the faucet, that you hear rats above your ceiling (that has happened), tell me as soon as possible, don't wait a month.
-
Make me a sandwich next time you're making one for yourself.
Continued on the next page
Follow Technorati