Thursday, March 29, 2007

Family Projects/Put Your Child To Work Day

Last weekend was actually pretty productive. I told the kids that we were going to do some projects as a family. Kids love projects. They're fun and cool and special, not anything like work which is boring and sucks. No, these were "family projects" which meant we were going to embark on some things together. Kids also love family time. I don't know why. I guess it looks really good in movies or something. Walls got patched and painted, weed and feed was put in the yard, my daughters dresser was sanded and repainted. It was great. I was finally getting some return on my investment in the kids.

I don't know why it took me so long to figure this out. From now on I'm seeing a whole new world. One where they clean the bathroom tile, fold and put up clothes, and do the dishes. My mind is practically filling up with all the great "family projects" we can do. The kids can wash the dog, clean the gutters, put up a new fence in the back yard, rotate my tires......

12 comments:

heather said...

'weed and feed put in the yard' !! i'm sure you didn't mean it like i took it but there it is. in writting no less lol. i use the 'put your kids to work day' quit often. we also celebrate 'national don't feed your kids day' whenever i don't feel like cooking! or at least i try too. i usualy give in on that one. :-)

Nag said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Nag said...

Question: How long will it take your kids to figure out "project" is Dad's new way of saying "work?" We should get a pool going on this one; $5.00 and you're in. Nag

plug said...

Ha! Dream on little brother!

Nate said...

Do you rent your kids out?

I've got a few things that a "visit to Uncle Gyuss to see the sights" could be good for?

Are their fingers tiny enough to clean out a garbage disposal? I can't reach down there.

Dagromm said...

heather-One I use quite often is "figure it out yourself day". I point out thatt part of what is so ggod about being human is our ability to reason at higher levels and they should express their humanity by solving their own problems and not bringing it to me.

nag-As long as projects involve some sort of construction materials then it's really more like art than it is work.

plug-I know, but I can hope.

Gyuss-Yes and yes.

Cyber D said...

I'm counting the days to when lil magnum is strong enough to push a lawnmower.

Q said...

Me too CyberD...

mist1 said...

Can you send the kids over here to clean out the attic?

polio said...

parents in my house are fond of "get me food and change the channel for me while i sit on the couch and don't move any muscles that aren't actively pumping blood" day.

wait, no, that's me. nvm.

heather said...

i'm most assuredly gonna use 'figure it out yourself day'! not only on cheeks (my 6yr old daughter, but on j (the spouse) too. thanks for the tip! :-)

Dagromm said...

CyberD-That was a great day. Unfortunately my lawn hasn't been mowed much since the boy broke his wrist.
Mist-You bet, but they are a week long minimum stay. Enjoy!!!
Polio-Glad to hear from you. Now gemme a sammich!
Heather-Trust me it's a mother beautiful invention.