Son: Mom, is there anything I can help you with?
I’m sitting at the kitchen table on my laptop, surrounded by a mess.
Me: Um. What? (sticks fingers in ear as though cleaning it out because can’t believe what I’m hearting)
Son: Do you need any help around here? (gestures to the kitchen, which is a mess)
Me: Wait. What? (completely at a loss for words)
Son: These dishes in the sink, do they need to be cleaned.
Me: *blank look* (yep, exactly like a deer in the headlights)
Me: Ah. Um. Yeah. Sure. *scratches head and looks dazed and confused*
Son: What side of the sponge do I use, the green side or the yellow side? (holds up really gross sponge)
Me: OK, I get it. You want money.
Son: Seriously mom. Which side of the sponge and how much soap do I use?
Me: You want something. I know it.
Son: No Mom. I’m just trying to help you out here. I see what a mess we’re making and I want to help you.
Me: Huh? Um…green side. Lots of soap.
Me: Are you OK?
Son: Yep, I just think you could use some help around here.
Son: And…I’m really, really bored.
Moral of the story: Keep them bored, they’ll beg to help around the house.
Hmmm…. I’ll have to try that one!
Darn. And here I’ve been shelling out cash and prizes. I may have to rethink my methods. Maybe I should pass out in the middle of the living room floor while vacuuming. You know, for dramatic effect.
It is now quite obvious to me – I am not keeping my son bored enough! Thanks for sharing this quite valuable tip!
Gigi´s last blog post ..Caught
May be because he’s bored, but it is still sweet.
And forgot to tell you yesterday that I like the new look.
Jennifer´s last blog post ..My do it
Tried that… My kids just fight when they are bored. I’m pretty sure your sweetie is just an exception. Lucky you!
LB´s last blog post ..Teaching Stuart
Wow!! Awesome! I’d personally still be rewarding the heck out of that behavior. And finding ways to use this new power…
Eternal Lizdom´s last blog post ..This and That- Fun and Follow Ups
It worked for my oldest daughter this summer. My middle daughter still would rather sit and stare at a wall before she lifted a finger to do anything. The youngest still holds out for money.
Glad you son found a productive summer activity. 🙂
Michele – The Professional Family Manager´s last blog post ..Blog Relationships–Not Awards–Are What Matter
Good to know!! I just need to figure out how to bore my son some more!
Erin´s last blog post ..Welcome Wednesday