See those (obviously) winter coats and jackets hanging from my ever-so-cute hooks right inside the door?
Yeah . . . I didn’t.
At least I didn’t see them until about a week ago. Even though temps have been hitting 90 for about a month now.
So yesterday, as we did our first Summer Laundry Day and attempted to remove everything winter or school related from the daily rotation of clothing . . . . I removed those coats from their hooks and put them away in the coat closet.
A week or so AFTER I noticed them, but hey. I was once again amazed at how pretty an empty-ish space is. It even changes the view from my blogging spot in the living room.
So how did our first Laundry Day of the summer go? Pretty well! We had errands to run and still have one load to finish up today, but I have truly seen the fruits of my efforts to train them in the Art of Laundry over the past two summers.
First of all, no one was surprised that Mama was asking them to do laundry. (Not thrilled, but not surprised.)
Second, they were comfortable with the process and were increased their independence to the point where last night I ran to the store after giving instructions for them to change over a load COMPLETELY on their own.
Of course, Hubby was here and could answer any questions that came up, but they were completely capable. Kind of makes my Mommy Heart swell.
Did any of you teach your kids to clean yesterday? Do you have my new e-book yet?
My kids are 7 hours away at the ILs with Daddy, so that I can clean the house this week. Pretty sad that this is my “dream vacation” but it’s also the first time I’ve been away from them for more than a few hours at a time since the 6 year old (oldest) was born.
And one of the things I did was take down the coats that were hanging on hooks in the garages. You know, the ones we haven’t needed here in deep south Texas since, ahem, January!
Oh, and I thought you would also appreciate the fact that I started off my week of cleaning and decluttering on Saturday. Spent the morning going to yard sales. Oops.
That’s so funny! And totally something I would do if given alone time!
I am laughing at what you think are obviously winter coats. In my neck of the woods, that coat is “obviously” for fall or Spring. You need heavy duty goretex down filled waterproof and windproof outerwear (we get -40 windchills in January) and there is a giant basket of mittens, scarves, hats and boots to go with the snowpants and heavy parkas. Good for you for doing a proper seasonal clothing switch!
That makes me laugh! And yes, a big winter coat MIGHT get worn three times a year around here!
Nony, you crack me up! 🙂 Here in Michigan, we still need spring jackets once in a while and the kids are finishing school today, so their winter vests are hung on the hooks as well for really cold pre-8 a.m. days. 🙂 But I agree; it’s summer vacation starting tomorrow, and I need to get those coats down & washed and put in the back of their closet for next fall!
Have a great summer of cleaning – I’m working on it here. With a 9 and a 6 year old boy in the house, I’m starting the process of life lessons. 🙂
Emily
Ha! Yes, these are all we need even for some of the coldest days here in Texas!
You inspired me and we started chores yesterday! My oldest is 7 and I’ve never actually followed through with chores. 🙁 Yesterday was tough. The younger kids jumped right in to help, but the oldest screamed for two hours about it, saying it was boring! But, since I was so inspired, I stuck to my guns and told her that she couldn’t do anything else until she’d finished the job she’d been given. It worked out well enough that this morning, when she asked if she could watch a show and I told her she had to pick up their fort in the living room (which was the entire mess in there!), she jumped right to it and did it completely alone! I’m hoping that we can keep this up! Thanks for letting me know that I really can do this!
Yay! I think the follow through is what’s hardest of all. That’s one reason why involving them in these finite tasks works so well for us. That way, even if I don’t keep up consistency in the daily stuff with them, I know they’re learning the skills they need and my house looks better!
Yesterday, I taught my kids to fold and hang up their pants. Little tiny baby steps, but it’s progress.
i need to do something with my 12 and 5 year old they help if they want but mostly it’s mom doing it not sure how to start but summer begings today and so should chores