Workboxes are a great tool for organizing your child’s assignments, but most moms like to have fun boxes mixed in with the lessons. After using workboxes for a while, I discovered that I can occasionally use them to teach my girls life skills and cut down on my to-do list.
This isn’t a daily, or even a weekly thing I do, but there are several little tasks around the house that the kids find fun. Sometimes, I will put a quick note in their box, with directions. Other times, I’ll put in the supplies they’ll need as a clue.
Ideas:
Simple chores. Instructions found in my 6 year old’s box: Sorting laundry, wiping down doorknobs and light switches with antibacterial wipes, sweeping, wiping down window sills. Things that are still seen as fun at her age and take a little of the load off me.
Get a head start on dinner. If I know I’m making cornbread for dinner, I’ll put the recipe in one of their boxes. My 13 year old can prepare something on her own, or my six year old will have fun cooking with me.
Phone calls. When I was the director of multiple ministries, I often had my daughter make phone calls when I needed to call a list of people with reminders or schedule changes. She loved using the phone and people often commented on how cute it was to hear her messages.
Organizing: Go through art bins, kitchen drawers, bookshelves, media cabinets. My girls will tell you they dislike cleaning very much, but ask them to put our movies in order and they’re thrilled.
Exercise: Sometimes, our day is just too full for me to squeeze in a workout on my own. On these days, I will put a dance-type workout DVD in a workbox, and we’ll all do it together. PE for them, and a much needed workout for me. I don’t work as hard as I would on my own, but we have fun together and it gets us all moving.
Grading: An older student might have fun grading a younger sibling’s school work. I must admit, I still get a kick out of grading papers and writing positive comments or adding stickers, but sometimes I fall behind. I think a red pen and a box of stickers along with some work and answer keys would be a very fun workbox.
Notes and Cards: Need to write a get-well note or get a birthday card for an upcoming party? Put some card making supplies in a workbox and ask your kids to make a card the whole family can sign. It’ll save you money and time, and your budding artist will love being the resident card-maker.
What’s on your to-do list that your kids might enjoy doing for you?
Angela can be found writing at Homegrown Mom.
photo by andrea_r
This post is linked to Works for Me Wednesday and Thirsty Thursday.
5 comments:
These are some really fabulous ideas! I am using Workboxes with my kids, but I find that I sometimes just forget to put in some fun things. I need to do that more often. Thanks for the reminder!
Great idea. My boys love the workboxes. They get upset if they wake up and they aren't ready.
My boys like some chores like add Windex the French doors and mirrors Thanks for the ideas.
I have never used work boxes before. I htin kmy daughter might enjoy having an "assignment" every once in a while.
thanks for the tips. I am going to have to make a card workbox. When I was multi-childless I used to make handmade birthday cards for family and friends. A friend of mine commented on not getting the cards anymore. Maybe I will put my kids to work and I can count it as art time.
Hmm, I need to learn more about "workboxes" not sure what they are.
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