Hunter's Chores (at almost 6 years old)

Hunter, 5 years 10 months old, taking care
of his personal belongings

I have heard that the amish have a saying that children before seven are (chore wise) a burden, between seven and fourteen they can carry their own weight, and from fourteen on upwards they bring in a profit to the household.

So in other words, a house full of amish seven-year-olds would be able to run self-sufficiently.

Not exactly within the realm of our current cultural expectations. But I think it can serve as a reminder that children, when given the chance, can and do rise to the occasion of responsibility.

Hunter, at 13 months old, "helping" with the dishes

Hunter has "helped" out with anything and everything possible from the time he could sit up by himself. He grew up believing that work was part of life and that he was part of life too, so work has always been second nature to him.

I think that this parenting and educational philosophy has really helped him in developing a strong work ethic, and, at almost six years old, being able to be almost completely self-sufficient as well as a genuinely contributing member of the family.

Hunter at 4 years, 7 months old, vacuuming his room

Since I've found it helpful to see other people's kids' chore lists, I thought I would share what Hunter does around the house at this point in his life:

General Chores 
Checklist type stuff Hunter does on a regular basis

• Clean bedroom weekly
• vacuum floor and closet, 
• dust shelves and windows, 
• organize and straighten bookshelf, closet, drawers
• empty trash can
• Clean own bathroom weekly
• clean and sanitize sink, toilet, mirrors, shower
• sweep and mop floor
• empty trash, clean trash can
• Deep clean bedroom periodically
• declutter
• clean windows, walls, TV, toys, etc.
• Laundry
• sort dirty laundry into dark and light
• often, put family laundry in washer or switch to dryer (he knows how to run the washer and dryer and can do this by himself, but I usually do this with him as he's still learning what can and can't go in the dryer and how to load the washer evenly)
• fold or hang up all of own laundry and put away 
• help fold family laundry, towels, blankets, etc.
• help gather and transport clean or dirty laundry
• change own sheets and bedding
• Empty kitchen trash as needed
• Take trash and recycling to street weekly
• Sweep sidewalks, patio, driveway weekly 
• Check mailbox daily
• Bring in newspaper

Helping prepare dinner, age 4 years 5 months old

Being Part of a Family

Besides his "chores", Hunter helps out around the house whenever and with whatever needed (these are usually some of his favorite things to do)

• Kitchen
• set and clear table
• load and unload dishwasher
• wash dishes for fun
• help prepare food (all the time)
• put leftovers away
• make own meals and snacks
• Carry in and put away groceries, other purchased items
• Help bag items while at the store
• Rake yard
• Help out with desk work 
• cutting, sorting papers, shredding
• Help wash the car
• Help out when mom does deep cleaning
• dusting, washing windows, mopping, vacuuming, etc.
• Help with all projects
• use tools, assemble things, run errands
• Organizing projects
• Basically, anything that we're doing, he's doing too!

Hunter, after a shower, at 4 years 5 months old

Self Care

Personally, I think this stuff goes without saying and isn't necessarily a "chore", but since it's generally on other people's chore lists for younger kids I thought I would include it:

• Hygiene
• shower, brush and floss teeth, comb hair, trim nails, etc.
• Routines
• Make bed, lay out clothes and other items for next day
• Pick up after self
• Keep self organized
• manage calendar, day planner (with help)
• Independent school work
• all school work that he can do independently, such as math practice sheets, reading, penmanship, much more

Hunter, at age 3 years 0 months,
carrying in groceries

His "Employed" Chores
I don't believe in paying kids to contribute to the family, and am not really comfortable with an "allowance", but Hunter has jobs he does to contribute to my home business (part time child care) that he gets paid a small sum for each week.

• Clean up after the kids' meals 
• clear table, put away food, clean entire kitchen
• Clean kids play area daily
• straightening and organizing all toys
• vacuuming carpet
• Clean bathroom used by kids daily
• sanitize sink, toilet, walls, trash can, sweep floor
• Empty diaper pail, take dirty diapers outside as needed
• Help with kids whenever needed
• read stories during circle time
• help with whatever I need assistance with
• Also included on his list is setting a good example, being gentle, focusing on assigned task, etc.

So, there you have it, life in our house right now!

What kind of things do your kids do to help out around the house?

"It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth." 

Lamentations 3:27

Hunter is 5 years, 10 months old

Making a Sandwich: Mark of a Genius?

Everyone seems to be pretty amazed at Hunter's fantastic skills.

I had an childcare inspector come in the other day and comment, jokingly (yet still seriously awe-struck), that "He's just about ready for college!"

One parent I interviewed went on about how, she has a friend with a four year old and, for only being five, Hunter was really smart.

The repair man had his two cents to put in, too, commenting how bright Hunter was.

Their cause for amazement?

His intense sandwich making skills.

I did not think spreading peanut butter and honey on a piece of bread was that much of a rocket science. Seriously.

And while they might have thought he's bright, I just call it lazy parenting.

You see, at three years old, when I was making lunches for three kids under three, Hunter was kept busy making his own sandwich. And setting the table and doing other little things like that that toddlers love to do and keeps them out of trouble (while learning a thing or two, it wasn't all selfish). And now he has extended his culinary skills to helping himself to a significantly wide variety of lunch and breakfast materials, with the exception of those which require flames or intensely sharp blades. Although most of the time, he just ops for a sandwich.

I guess one person's laziness is another person's genius.

"Thou preparest a table before me..."

Psalm 23:5

Hunter is 5 years, 1 month old

First Lessons in Money Management

Hunter opened his first bank account today. With about $24 from his bank we went on a field trip to the bank to open his own savings account and begin the first of the bigger steps towards financial literacy, creativity and responsibility.

If there is one thing that is big on my heart, it is teaching my son important life skills like this. You can be an intellectual genius but if you're lazy, or irresponsible, you won't get far in life.

Some things he already knows about money:

1. Names and values of US currency
2. A basic understanding of the concepts behind banks and ATMs (that is, that we have to put money into the bank in order to get it back out of the bank)
3. That you can't just "get" money but have to do something for it, i.e., work (although he still tends to mention every once in a while, "Well we'll just buy it!" as if money grows on trees)
4. That it's important to keep receipts from your purchases (he loves keeping receipts and thinks its really cool)
5. And after today, an introduction to the idea that when you keep money at a real bank instead of a piggy bank, it grows because of interest.

But, he obviously still has a lot to learn.

I think this bank account will be a great learning experience for him, talking about interest, keeping track of the account and how it grows, and having financial goals, for starters.

"For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it."

Ecclesiastes 7:12

Hunter is 5 years, 1 month old

Toilet Mechanics

Today we were cleaning the bathrooms together and as he was cleaning the toilet, I popped the lid off to show him the inside. I pushed the handle down and let him see the mechanics of it all. We talked about where the clean water comes from and where the dirty water goes, etc. We had briefly talked about the sewer and water systems in times past but I think this is the first time I have showed him the inside of the actual toilet. He was so fascinated.

Later he went upstairs to clean his bathroom on his own and I found him in there, flushing the toilet and messing with the float, watching the water drain and fill up, the levers go up and down, etc. He was so intently focused on it until he had "figured it all out" I guess. It's funny how interesting and educational the simple things in life can be to little kids.

"Thou shalt also make a laver of brass, and his foot also of brass, to wash withal..." 

Exodus 30:18

Hunter is 4 years, 6 months old

Day #2

So today was day two of our crash-course packing. Hunter went with his cousin for the morning (I would have rather had him with me but, I let him go so he could spend some extra time with Anthony before we leave). I missed the little guy a lot. I know a lot of people like to  have the kids out of the way while they're working, but I hate it (well, most of the time).

Anyway, I spent the morning pulling everything out into the yard and sorting through and packing it. It was a bit overwhelming at first but once I got going and got an idea of what was there, it didn't seem so monumental anymore.


When Hunter got home he was really surprised to see all that had happened since he left. He immediately started digging into some cars that he hadn't seen in a while and was racing them down his little track. It's funny watching him play because, even with the cars, he makes up his own little dialogue full of "Oops, I'm sorry" or "Hey get over here" and all sorts of other funny little personalities he puts into his toys.

He played some, helped me pack some, caught a few toads, moaned about the sun going down ("Man," he said "I can't believe the day is almost over!"), and ate a late dinner of steak and hashbrowns (courtesy of Grandpa). We also got to observe a huge spider (well, in Indiana terms) that had made a really pretty web overnight, and we watched it rolling up an insect in its web and then eating it (or rather, sucking it's blood - Hunter thought this was AMAZING).

It was a fun day. Tomorrow we'll be working in the bedroom. Things are looking up, and it looks like we may just get all this packing done after all.

"Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our help and our shield."

Psalm 33:20

Hunter is 4 years, 5 months old 

Helping Grandpa find tools (mobile blogg

Helping Grandpa find tools (mobile blogging)

Hunter is 4 years, 3 months old

Window-Washing Adventures

Several months ago Hunter was helping me wash windows at the gym and I meant to blog about the conversations we had, but never got to it. We were having some interesting talks about contrails, rock doves, crickets, and ants. While I washed I spilled some drips on the ground, some in the sun and some in the shade, and we decided to see which one would dry faster. We talked about why the sunlight makes the water evaporate faster, and enjoyed a little spontaneous science lesson.

Today we were once again washing windows together, and having our usual conversations, about the clouds and the weather and the people and the birds. This time we were singing Christmas Carols in preparation for the Christmas party that is coming up on Monday. I let him help me wash sometimes (he works on the windows I haven't done yet) or he plays on the sidewalk. He hasn't helped me with this in a while and I believe it was July or August since our last window-washing adventure.

The minute we got out there Hunter found two old, dead leaves and dipped them in the water then laid them out on the sidewalk, watching. He did this for a while before he brought up that he was testing which one would dry the fastest. It's so much fun working with him and it's nice to know how much he remembers the conversations we have, even if it was months before.

"... a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labour the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun."

Ecclesiastes 8:15

Hunter is 3 years, 8 months old

Apple Crisp

The boys really enjoyed helping me in the kitchen today. We made apple crisp with some apples that were close to going bad if we didn't do something with them.

They both ate up the peels as I peeled them off of the apples, which was a nice healthy snack. Measuring, pouring, and stirring was a big hit, as usual. The recipe was great, as it was sweet but not too sweet, had very little added sugar to it. Tastes great with ice cream or delicious all by itself!

6 to 8 apples, sliced
1/2 c. raisins (optional)
1/3 c. water
1 c. rolled oats
1/2 c. whole wheat or rye flour
1/2 c. wheat germ
1/2 c. butter or oil
1/2 c. brown sugar or honey
2 t. cinnamon



Put sliced apples in buttered 9 x 13" pan. Sprinkle with raisins and water. Combine the rest of the ingredients. Sprinkle evenly over apples. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes, or until apples are soft. Serve warm or cold, plain or with a topping.

"Take thou also unto thee principal spices, of pure myrrh five hundred shekels, and of sweet cinnamon half so much..."

Exodus 30:23

Hunter is 3 years, 5 months old

Bringer of Smiles

Ever since Hunter could walk, he has faithfully helped me carry out the garbage to the dumpster at the gym every day - even when the bags (full of paper for him) were bigger than he was.

And ever since we have been on this garbage-carrying expedition, he has never, not even once, failed to bring a smile to the customers entering and exiting the restaurant that resides next door.

After over two years of this, it enthralls me that there has yet to been a single person who hasn't smiled at Hunter following his Mommy and carrying his bag.

It's amazing how something so simple can, in an instant, bring even the most pre-occupied, business-oriented person to stop and smile at the little boy walking down the sidewalk, carrying a simple garbage bag, smiling at his Mommy.

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth."

3 John 1:4

Hunter is 3 years, 5 months old

First Day Down South

Today was our first day of our two-week vacation. It was good to see everybody and Hunter warmed up quickly and was glad to be back.

We visited back in January for a week and a half and now get to spend some time down here while it's warm.

Hunter got to play with the boys and Rachel, say hi to the animals, and pick some vegetables from their garden.

Hunter really enjoyed this. He carefully packed a whole bag of cayenne peppers and didn't want to stop to get a new bag when his was full.

"Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you. For I long to see you ... that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me."

Romans 1:10-13

Hunter is 3 years, 4 months old

Real-Life Puzzles

Today Hunter was helping me while I was working on the brachiation ladder. He was really interested in the bolts and the nuts and I showed him how to twist them together.

He probably worked with this "real-life puzzle" for a good thirty or forty minutes. Twisting the nuts on there was a great way to develop small motor control and he worked with them a lot longer than he would have if they were just some silly plastic toys - he liked that they were real, grown-up stuff and that they had to do with what I was doing.

We also had a good time talking together and he enjoyed being next to me while I worked, and being a part of it all.

"And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it."

Psalm 90:17

Hunter is 3 years, 3 months old

Little Helper, Big Heart

This is Hunter helping Grandpa make hot dogs this afternoon. He was playing with his bubbles on the back porch when Grandpa came out to fire up the grill, and the second he saw that he left his bubbles in the dust to go help.

I love how Hunter stops whatever "play" he's doing the second he has the opportunity to help with something worthwhile. Little kids want so desperately to be part of real life, and I'm glad Hunter is such a strong helper because he is needed and wanted in our house.

I recently saw a children's music CD titled "Born to Play" and was saddened by how poorly we adults understand little children. Little kids believe it is their JOB to grow up and we spent most of our time trying to convince them that this is not true, that their "work" and is to stay out of the way and play with plastic toys.

I'm glad Hunter gets to be part of life and knows that we agree with him that it is his job to grow up, and spend our time allowing him to be part of real life. It sure makes your heart smile at precious moments like these to see a little guy with such a big heart.

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth."

III John 4

Hunter is 3 years, 3 months old

My Little Man Helping Pump Gas

Today when we pulled up to the gas station, I told Hunter to stay put while I went in to pre-pay for our gas.

"But Mommy, you need a little boy to come with you." was his gentle reply.

In which I returned, "No, I need a little man to come with me. Can you be my little man?"

He beamed with excitement and replied, "Yeah" with a smirk as he climbed out of his booster seat.

Lately I've really been focusing on treating him "like a man" and letting him know how manly he is whenever I can. ALL little kids want to do is to "do it all by myself". How many times a day does he say that? I've lost count. Little kids believe it is their job to grow up, and we spend most of our time trying to convince them that it is their job to stay babies. Unfortunately, we often succeed, and by the time they turn seven or eight years old we then turn around and tell them they need to grow up. By then, it's often too late and we spend the rest of their school-age and teenage years fighting with them to get them to do a minute amount of work.

It's a sad cycle, but nonetheless, I handed Hunter a twenty-dollar bill and told him to give it to the cashier and ask for twenty dollars on pump number three. Boldly, he walked into the station, proudly walked up to the register and made his request just as I had told him, his hand barely reaching the high counter to pass along the twenty.

We left with a smile, I taught him how to press the button with numeral 87 on it, and he pumped the measly 4.7 gallons of gas that twenty dollars had bought us, and did so "all by myself". The whole ordeal took exactly four minutes.

And I was glad that it was summer, because I never would have dreamed of allowing him to help me in the bitter cold months of winter that we are accustomed to in the Midwest.

It was such a refreshing experience, seeing how proud he was of himself for being an active part in life and doing something that was truly valuable and worthwhile, that I've decided that from now on, in the warm months at least, I would never keep him strapped in his seat while I get gas. And, just perhaps, this four-minute investment will pay off even more dividends in the end, when he is perhaps a bit taller and he will be pumping ME the gas in the cold winter months when I stay warm in the car. Perhaps? Nah, don't doubt it: he will. Raising little men pays off in the end, for you and mostly, for them.

"She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates."

Proverbs 31:27,28,31

"Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up."

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Hunter is 3 years, 2 months old

Laundry Time!

What could be more fun than helping Mommy (or to Anthony, Aunt Liz) sort laundry?

You get to do something useful, be part of what the adults are doing, and have fun throwing clothes in a bunch of different baskets! And then of course there's the cool big washers and dryers and getting to measure the detergent and help fold socks and shirts. And then of course there's learning about why we have to put different color clothes in separate loads and why some shirts don't go in the dryer and why some clothes need to be ironed and some need to be folded and all other interesting things that little kids are just dying to learn.

Sharing chores sure makes life a lot more fun and interesting.

"It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth."

Lamentations 3:27

Hunter is 3 years, 0 months old

Helping Hands

This boy loves to help with everything, and I love teaching him to help with everything. We make a great team, don't we?

And, of course, I love that being part of real life, feeling wanted and truly needed, and working hard and building character are all amazing things that result from many little moments just like these.

Thanks, Hunter. You're more precious than you can ever know.


"The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him."

Psalm 28:7

Hunter is 2 years, 11 months old

The Printer

Hunter's new thing is that he LOVES "helping" me get freshly printed flashcards out of the printer. Of course, I initiated this by giving him something useful to "help" me with while I printed out and cut new word cards. But now as soon as he hears the printer spools running he runs over to my desk and gets quite upset if I take the paper out and don't let him do it.

I love the fun things he's learning doing all these "mundane" things (to us at least) and being a part of real life. My sweet little helper.

"But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer"

Psalm 40:17

Hunter is 2 years, 11 months old

Painting Together

Today Hunter and I worked together on painting the basement floor.

I always love doing projects with him, bringing him along side of me and teaching him things, and he had a really fun time going at it with a paintbrush.

Since it was just the basement, it didn't matter much if the paint looked "perfect" so he really got to have a fun time with it.

"Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour."

Ecclesiastes 4:9

Hunter is 2 years, 4 months old