Week In Review - Family Day and Too Much Stress

 

Family Day - Indoor Playground!

 

Week In Review:

It's Friday everyone! It's the weekend, and my daughter is super excited to be able to stay home and play with her mommy (me! Aren't I a lucky duck?).

Home life is still tense right now. There's a lot on my mind; school, my living situation, money, and work. I feel bad because I haven't had much time to blog and work on my Etsy shop this week, but I enjoy this online life so I keep up with it as much as I can. 

 

Personal Life:

Parenting - My patience has been really short lately. With all this added tension in the house and the silent arguments, my mind hasn't been in the right place. I feel awful for not being mentally here right now for Sidney but my stress levels are about to explode right through the roof.  

We did go out for family day though. We went to Funworx, which is an indoor playground. It was so busy there! Kids on top of kids. Seriously, you could barely get around the place without knocking into a bunch of people, but Sidney and her cousin Faith had a lot of fun.

Growth - My entire life feels like it's on hold right now. Where did the week go? Honestly, I haven't done anything lately...

Health - My goal for waking up earlier hasn't been working out too well. Instead I feel like I just want to sleep forever, and ever, and ever. 

Professional:

Work - I'm still applying to a bunch of different places. I haven't gotten one single call back though. It is a bit discouraging, but what other options do I have? I need to find a job. 

My college funding application is almost complete! I just have to send in a couple more bits of information and off it will go. How exciting is that? Very!

Etsy - Little Shop of Hemp made it's first sale this week! A custom key chain. I was beginning to think my hemp store was a waste of time and money, but that one sale has encouraged me to keep trying. Besides, I enjoy making hemp jewelry.

As for Little Shop of Treasures, no sales this week. I do have some new items I need to post though. I'll get around to it soon. Been taking a mental health break this week. I have been approved for the Bloomin Earth festival though! In two months time I have to be all ready to set up a booth and sell some awesome vintage treasures. This will be my first sale, and I'm really nervous. That's why I've been doing a ton of research.

Writing - I've been feeling uninspired lately, so instead of writing much I have been reading a ton! Magazine articles, ebooks, blogs and novels. Just filling my brain with other people's work. Of course my journal has been getting a lot of attention this week, I should call it the Whine Diaries. 

I hope everyone's week has been going better than mine! Sorry for the pity-party-post, but that's all I have to say this week - wah, wah, wah. 

Thanks, 

Week in Review - Not So Good

Decluttering my belongings. Good bye magazines!

 

Week in Review:

I just want to start off by saying that this week hasn't been the greatest. Everyone in the house has been sick, there's been a lot of tension and my head just isn't where it should be and instead is completely lost in space or something. I've been having a difficult time staying positive this week, and my temper has been really short. 

Well, it's Saturday now and a long weekend so I'm glad to be able to put the past behind me and enjoy the now which includes laying in my bed watching Monsters Inc.

Personal Life:

Parenting - Sidney got her report card this week and she has been doing so good in school this year. She also got invited to a birthday party which she attended today, little miss popular ;). 

Growth - Remember how I've been weeding through all my junk? Well I managed to continue with that and today I got rid of all my magazines. And by got rid of I mean I put them all in a box and out of my room. So technically they're still around but I've been putting things aside for our annual May yard sale. Magazines aren't a huge seller, but it's better than throwing them all out (recycle of course). For 10 cents each I'm sure people might buy them for reading, scrapbooking or crafting. The process of simplifying my life is a long one.

To be honest, I would just donate all my stuff but my debt keeps demanding I pay it off. Whatever I don't sell at my yard sales always goes to charity thrift stores though. Win-win for everyone.

Health - We have all been sick here! Tired, groggy, snotty and coughing. My mom and sister also had the pleasure of accompanying the flu. Needless to say, it's been a rough week. I missed two appointments and some sleep. Sidney missed some school and has been driving me crazy. I have been drinking a ton of water though, so that's good.

I also got a new Kindle book called Luxury of Less: The Five Rings of Minimalism by Karol Gajda which I found not only very entertaining but also informational and inspiring. It seriously made me want to just throw out all of my belongings and take off on a world adventure. My goal towards a minimalist lifestyle is beginning to seem more real now.

Professional:

Work - Job postings have begun to increase finally! So I've been emailing and handing out resumes like crazy. I really hate those online applications, but have been doing those, too. There's this job down the street from here, a bakery, and they're hiring, again, and I REALLY want that job. I walked in there with my resume and smiled and was polite and told myself I was gonna get the job! I'm hoping for a call back next week. 

Etsy - Up to 22 sales for Little Shop of Treasures, with some great new items on the way! And Little Shop of Hemp is about to get it's first sale - a customized key chain. So all is good there! Plus, I registered for a table at Bloomin Earth Festival which is an outdoor market for upcycled items and vintage treasures. They also have ecofriendly crafts and information booths. My shop needs to get approved still, but I have my fingers crossed. I think  I could really use an event like this to boost my confidence. 

Writing - I have a book idea. I don't want to say anything about it yet, but I'm going to start doing some research this week. 

How's your week been?

Thanks, 

Applied To College

A little update:

Etsy Shop Branding

I’m in the process of retaking pictures for all of my items for Little Shop of Treasures. I’m also redesigning the business cards so they look prettier and go with my banner. I'm even trying to get this branding thing right, and because my items are very 60’s/70’s retro I want to work off of that. It’s complicated, for me anyway, but a great learning experience.

College Funding

Besides working on my Etsy shop to pass the time, I went for another appointment about college funding and got some pretty good news. I guess I misunderstood before and there is a chance of getting full funding for everything, and living allowance for full time students - if my application gets approved. So I applied for the program I want to get into today and hope to hear from the college within the next couple of weeks. I'm confident I will get in - because I actually got accepted into the same program last year but had to turn it down due to lack of money.

In the meantime I have some paperwork to fill out which means some research and writing is involved. I want to knock their socks off and show them how awesome I am at it, and that journalism is the perfect program for me and I will be successful. That way I will look confident in my decision, and then they will hopefully feel confident in my decision, too.

It’s been an exciting week!

Thanks,

College Funding and Overcoming Fears of Failure

Over the weekend I got some discouraging news about my potential college funding.

The fact that I might be able to get funding totally went out the window, and in my mind I already got it. I was so looking forward to going to college this fall that I didn’t even consider that my funding application might not get accepted.

Well, the place where I am going to for college funding has many different ways of attaining it. As of right now though the number one option is looking pretty dim. If my application even gets accepted, the funding won’t even cover half of my tuition costs. This really upset me yesterday, and I spent my afternoon moping around when I should have been doing something productive (ie cleaning!) or at least doing some of my own research on college funding.

The truth is, without funding I will not be able to afford to go. I don’t even know if I could get a student loan.

I’m trying to maintain a positive mindset though. I’m going this fall for journalism. This is all I want to do with my life, it’s all I have ever wanted to do and I don’t want to wait another year.

I’m not going to be the person I’ve always been - the kind of person that gives up easily when things start to feel difficult. For many years I was that person (still am). I thought (think) that I wasn’t good enough, smart enough, pretty enough and so I would give up before things got worse or didn’t work out.

But what if they do work out?

What if I actually got the job (the one I never called back for an interview because I assumed I would fail)?

What if my novel actually got published (the one that’s still in my head because I assumed I would fail)?

What if I actually get college funding? What if I do amazing? What if I succeed?

There’s still a chance they will find a better option. So I’m going to keep moving forward with my paperwork, research and dreams and in the end everything will work out. It has to. And I have to stop being afraid.

Do you ever feel like giving up because you’re scared?

Thanks,

Play Time is Over

Sidney - December 29, 2012

Winter break is finally over and I am so glad! I’m not the only mom who feels that way, right? ‘Cause that might look bad. But as much as I love my daughter and spending time with her and my nieces, I am all kid-pooped-out and can’t wait to get back into a more “work”-like routine.

I have a lot of things I plan to work on now that I have some time to myself. There are items I want to get up on my Etsy shop; Little Shop of Treasures. Which means cleaning them, taking pictures and editing, researching, writing descriptions, titles, tags, coming up with a price and then advertising. There’s actually quite a bit of work to this side project but because it’s so much fun I don’t mind at all and even look forward to it.

I also just want to mention that over the holidays we got up to 13 sales! It’s such a great feeling seeing the number of sales and money we’ve made. I hope to get up to 50 sales this year for my vintage shop, or more! That would be wonderful.

My other shop is coming along nicely, too. I’ve been busy making bracelets, and am pretty sure I can get it up and running by the weekend. I hope many people will take the time to check it out, and that they like what they see.

Most importantly though I want to take the time to write more. Plan out better posts for my blog, and take the time to write for myself - short stories, poetry and my novel. For as long as I can remember I have wanted to be a novelist, or at least a professional (as in paid) writer of some sort.

Well, that’s it for now!

Thanks,

Cole

　

Happy New Year! 2013

Happy New Year!

It's officially 2013 today! Which means it's time to reflect on the year that has passed and plan for the year ahead.

Just the other day I was thinking to myself, "How would I rate this year? Good, or bad?"

Because every year I either title it as a year that was overall a good year, or a not so good year. So of course my mind started racing. Is a year considered good if more good moments happened? And vice-versa? Is it based on how many good things have happened over bad things? Can one good moment outweigh several bad moments? How do you tell if a moment is bad or good?

Then I thought to myself, how can an entire year be good or bad? There is no such thing as a good or bad year.

I had to stop myself from thinking into this too much, because it's just one of those things that doesn't actually have a real answer.

I did end up reflecting on certain things that have taken place in my life over the past year that have shaped me into a better person, or lead me in a better direction. I feel as if I am finally becoming the person I was always meant to be. Truthfully, I think this is happening because of all my "failures." Like having to move out of our apartment, the job hopping, having to wait to go to college, etc.

It's almost like, when there's nothing to lose you feel more confident in chasing your dreams.

And that's what 2013 has in store for me.

I'm forcing myself to be brave, to try new things, new adventures and to swallow my fear of failing and just go for it! In fact, I've already started this in the past couple of months.

In 2012:

• Graduated high school.
• I started my first blog.
• Submitted a short story for a contest (never heard back, but the point is I sent it!)
• Opened an Etsy shop.
• Started being creative again.

My 2013 Goals:

Personal:

Health - Over a year and a half ago I was a much healthier and fitter person. I ate really good, exercised routinely and took care of myself. I don't have any good excuses for why I let myself slide back into bad habits (eating out a lot, being lazy), other than it was a rough couple of years financially. So this year I want to make a conscious effort to lose weight and get in shape.

Parenting - I used to do a lot more with Sidney. We were always going out and doing things but in the past few months we haven't been until just recently. Partly because I was working a lot before, and then when I wasn't working we didn't have much money. Since we've been busy most days over winter break, it's reminded me how much fun going out is, and that yes it's worth the extra effort and money. Also that there are tons of stuff to do that is free, or very inexpensive. So in 2013 I want to do more, to go out more and be a better, funner parent.

Growth - I want to simplify my life. Declutter my belongings, re-organize my room and start practicing mindfulness. I feel like this will help me to grow as a person. I'm also doing The Magic by Rhonda Byrne, but instead of blogging about it I'm just keeping a journal for now. There's also a course called Seven Paths to Freedom by Curtis Rivers I want to follow as well, maybe after I have completed The Magic.

Professional:

Blog - I would really like to expand my blog and make it better. It's been a good experience so far and I'm enjoying it a lot. I have a lot of ideas I want to do. Add recipes, crafts, maybe even do a series of interviews with other teen moms. I have a feeling this will be a good year for my blog.

Etsy - I opened my vintage shop on Etsy in October and since then have already made 13 sales. I am having so much fun on Etsy and it's proving to be a profitable venture. I have a lot of hobbies and I hope to turn some of them into Etsy shops as well. In fact, I'm working on a new shop right now and will be selling hemp jewelry. I hope to open it in about two weeks. I might even look into participating in craft shows.

Writing - Writing is a passion of mine. I don't put as much time into it as I would like to, or should, but my blog has been helping me get back into the habit of writing every day. For as long as I can remember I wanted to be a novelist. And for the past five years I have been kicking around this one story idea but have been too scared to write it. I've always just thought that I had to write it perfect so that others would enjoy it. Now I've decided to just write it for myself, the way it should be. This year I want to at least start my novel.

College - Once winter break is over and Sidney goes back to school next week I have to go find out about funding and apply for college. If everything works out, and it should, I will be attending college (finally!) this fall! This is huge for me.

Work - Again, once winter break is over I need to start looking for a part time job to help bring in some money. Unfortunately there aren't too many places hiring but I feel confident I will find something within the month.

So that's it. My plans/goals for 2013.

What resolutions or goals have you made for 2013?

Thanks,

Best Free Activities Are At The Library

photo credit: artsjournal.com

If you are anything like me than I'm going to assume you like free things. Because really, who doesn't? And the best kind of free, is free fun - at the library!

I don’t know much about other community libraries but I do know that the chain of libraries here in my city have so much fun, free things going on all year round.

They have:

• art exhibitions,
• plays,
• children drop-in activities,
• art programs,
• family reading nights,
• speeches,
• art sales,
• contests,
• and so much more.

Every March Break, PA Day and Winter Holidays there are fun events planned for kids and teenagers to participate in. And to top it off, the friendly staff at the libraries are always introducing new and exciting programs all the time!

That’s not even including the fact that you can take out books, DVDs, magazines and Cds for free.

BOOKS!

For someone like myself who is an avid reader I’m constantly in need of new books all the time. I take out fictional books, craft books, recipe books, business books, magazines and children’s book. Once a month I must take out at least 6 - 10 books!

MOVIES!

My daughter and I like to have movie nights on the weekend. We’ll go down to the library and choose a couple movies - one for her and one for me - and plan a family evening, and as long as you don’t return them late it’s absolutely free to take them out for 7 days. The movie selection is pretty good, too. Ranging from new releases to old classics like Breakfast At Tiffany’s, and television shows for kids and grownups.

MUSIC!

Bored of your CD collection? The library usually has plenty of those to choose from, too! No matter how often I go I always manage to find something new to listen to. Sure, I could hop on YouTube or listen to the radio, but sometimes it’s nice to be able to listen to an entire album without having to constantly go over and select a new song.

So why not check out your local library, if you haven’t already?

What’s your favourite part about the library?

Thanks,

The Benefits of Couponing

Many people I know have seen shows like Extreme Couponing, and give it a shot expecting to save hundreds of dollars on groceries every week only to end up saving a few bucks. Shows like this can be inspiring, but they don't really give you any good advice, especially for Canadians. I don't know why, but it seems like couponing in Canada just isn't nearly as good as it is in the United States. If you live in Canada, this website/blog is a great resource on saving money, couponing and making money: mrsjanuary.com.

Don't be disappointed. Even if you're only saving $5 on groceries, that's still $5! That's half an hour working a minimum wage job and all it takes is a few minutes to cut out, or print some coupons. Within time you're sure to get the hang of it and start saving more.

I'm not a huge couponer right now, but it's something I want to start getting into. I do use coupons now and then, but often forget. Like any habit, it can be hard to start. I have difficulty remember to bring my coupons, and present them on time! I often don't realize I forgot to give the cashier my coupons until after I've left the store. And don't feel like you are burdening the cashier, or holding up the line. I worked as a cashier for a few months at a very busy grocery store and I had no problem entering in coupons, after all I got paid by the hour, not by how many customers I rang through.

However, I have saved quite a bit of money over the years by using coupons. It's really awesome when you have a coupon for something that's on sale and end up buying it for a fraction of the original price. If you want to start using coupons here is a list of websites to get mail order and printable coupons:

save.ca

brandsaver.ca

websaver.ca

gocoupons.ca

Thanks, 

The Young Mommy Life Blog

I've recently started following The Young Mommy Life written by Tara Pringle Jefferson.

This is an excellent blog because it's honest, it's real and it's informative. When I read this blog I don't feel insignificant any more. I feel like I'm not alone.

Yesterday I downloaded one of her books on Kindle through Amazon titled "Make it Happen: The Young Mommy Guide to Creating a Career You Crave" 

I've been fighting with myself. One part wants to think rationally and go to college for something that will guarantee me a job. The other half wants to follow my dreams and go to school for Journalism and work on becoming a writer. It can be scary to follow your dreams when you have someone else depending on you, someone who needs you to succeed.

This book is very inspirational, has excellent tips and is well worth the $2.99 that it costs.

Tara Jefferson does an excellent job convincing me that I can become a professional writer through her own experiences and advice. She talks about following your dreams, budgeting to save money, thriving at your job, how to take care of yourself, branding yourself, a list of useful resources and much more. 

Take the time to look through her blog, it's really interesting! 

What are some of your favourite parenting blogs?

Thanks, 

Working Mom Vs. Stay at Home Mom

Cole & Sid - 2011

I’m torn between wanting to be at home with Sidney, and wanting to work. I love making my own money, being independent and having a life of my own, but I miss Sidney too much when I’m out at work. Now that she’s in school full-time it’s not so bad when I’m working during the day, but most of the jobs I get include weekends and evenings. 

My Experience

The best part of working:

• It gets me out of the house
• It gives me a life of my own
• It gives me a sense of accomplishment and pride
• I get to meet new people
• It gives me my own income and financial independence
• I feel like a good role model

I've enjoyed every job I've had for different reasons. I love getting out of the house and making new friends and acquaintances. I can escape my home life when I am in desperate need of a break and go to work. The best part about working though, is making money! You have to admit, having your own money is awesome. You earned it, and can spend it on whatever you want whether it's a new pair of shoes or tucked safely away in your savings. Not to mention, I really do feel like a good role model to Sidney when I go to work. She especially liked it when I was working in the Seafood department at Zehrs because she was able to see the lobsters up close. 

The worst part of working:

• Time away from Sidney
• Housework tends to get behind
• Eat out more often
• Not there for Sidney
• Don’t get enough down time

It was really hard working full-time this summer and having to miss out on all the fun stuff! Like playing in the sprinklers at the park, having picnics and going to the beach. Instead, when I'm at work I just get to hear about it, and see pictures of Sidney enjoying her time with someone else. It's really hard to go to work when Sidney's sick and leave her with my Grandma, when all I want to do is cuddle her. 

The best part of staying at home:

• I get all the housework done regularly
• Healthy meals get made daily
• I get to write every day
• I can be home with Sidney if she gets sick 
• I love being able to drop her off at school and pick her up
• I’m home with Sidney (can’t beat that!)

Staying at home is so much fun because we get to bake, make crafts, play outside and go on adventures. I can get all the laundry done, make healthy meals every night and keep up with all the other housework. I also get to spend time working on my Etsy shop and my writing. I absolutely love walking Sidney to school every morning, and picking her up afterwards. It's such a good feeling to walk her home and hear all about her day at school. 

The worst part of staying at home:

• I get bored really easily
• I feel like I don’t have a life purpose
• I eventually get depressed

I don't know if anyone can relate to this, but when I go more than a week or two without working now that Sidney is in school full-time I start to get depressed! I feel trapped in my house, with nothing to do and feel so unimportant and worthless. It's a weird feeling, and while a lot of people would enjoy the free time it drives me bonkers. I get anxiety from too much spare time because I get bored quickly. I need to constantly be doing things.

Other Parents

Everyone has different opinions when it comes to being a stay-at-home parent, or a working parent, and it’s nothing new. Even in today’s society working moms and stay-at-home moms are judging each other, and looking down on one another. Not all, but some. 

I for one think that it depends on the family, and the individual. It’s a personal choice, one that a lot of parents don’t have. It’s difficult in today’s society to live comfortably on one income which is why a lot of family’s have two working parents. Single parents don’t even have an option. 

For myself, I need to make money. I’m okay with working part-time (as long as it's between 20 and 30 hours weekly) because I don’t need a lot of money and I enjoy being able to do housework and be at home some of the time.

My biggest problem now? Finding a job! 

What are your opinions on this topic? Do you prefer being a stay-at-home parent? Or a working parent?

Thanks, 

Survive Moving Back in With Your Parents

Sidney enjoying the backyard - 2009

A lot of young parents that I know have lived, or still live with their parents for support. Especially while they are still teenagers in high school. Other young parents that I know have managed to get out on their own and fully support themselves either as single parents, or with a partner.

I have done both. I lived with my parents until Sidney was just over a year old and then Nick and I got our own apartment. We lived in our apartment for three and a half years, up until we could no longer afford it after Nick was laid off from work. We tried keeping out apartment for more than a year, both of us working minimum wage, but it was too difficult and stressful. I guess you just have to figure out when to call it quits.

Now we are living at my parents again. This time is different though. When we lived here before we were young and anxious to move out. This time we're taking advantage of our situation to pay off debt, save money and go to school.

Of course, there are downsides to both circumstances.

Living with Parents/In-laws

It can be hard living under someone else's roof. Especially if they're your parents or in-laws. There are a lot of awkward situations to deal with. The two biggest problems I face are having my own personal space and time, and helping out with the housework.

Personal Space

My mom and dad gave us the basement, which is one of the biggest rooms in the house. However, we have to fit an entire apartment in our room, and store the rest in the garage. Our little room is currently holding two beds, a couch, an entertainment unit, a dresser, a computer desk and two bookshelves. It is so cramped, but it's the only space we have. My parents never come into my room, which is something that is important when living with parents. You have to set boundaries - that is your space, even if it is their house because we all need our privacy. My main issue with this is making my room feel comfortable and cozy, something that needs to be fixed if I'm going to live here happily.

Housework

My family is different from many. I say this because we have a lot people living in one small house. All it takes is for each person to leave a couple of their things out and the house is trashed. By the end of the day almost every dish is dirty. The biggest problem is that everyone is busy with work and their lives and plan on "getting around to it." This is a problem, but the only way in dealing with this is to pick up after myself and my daughter, and help out with the dishes, sweeping, cooking and other housework when I can. Obviously our own laundry is our own responsibility, and I try not to hog the washing machine.

Abiding the Rules

I don't  necessarily have this problem, my parents are extremely lenient. All I can say is that when they do ask something of me I try to respect them by doing it. After all, this is their house and they're doing me a favor by letting us live here.

The Benefits

There are benefits to living at my parent's house, most of them financial.

• It's cheaper than renting an apartment
• I have more help with Sidney
• I have live-in babysitters for planned nights out (which isn't very often)
• I can go to school
• I can pay off my debt instead of building it
• I can save my money
• And to top it off, we have a backyard!

Then there is the odd time I feel like a loser for having to move back in with my parents. Nothing like a blow to the self-esteem than feeling like a failure. Not only does it feel like I have failed, but I feel bad that my daughter has to go through this, too. I see my friends who have their own apartments or houses, and the things they can provide for their children and I feel bad that I can't do that for Sidney. She can't have a princess room any more. She doesn't get those quiet, one-on-one times with mommy as often. My daughter is five years old, she doesn't even realize these things. She loves living at Grandma's house  She gets to play with her cousin every day, spend time with her beloved family and play outside whenever she wants  Still, I feel like I should have worked harder, been smarter, done better. I guess now is the best time to work on these things, no time like the present.

The truth is there are a lot of adults living with their parents these days. Whether they never left, or had to move back. Most of my friends in their early twenties are still living at their parent's houses. So I try to convince myself there's nothing wrong with it and I guess there isn't.

Are you still living with your folks? How old were you when you moved out? Did you ever have to move back in?

Thanks, 

Why We Made A Chore List

Sidney's Chore List - 11/07/2012

 

The Chore List

My Daughter Was Becoming A Slob

About a year ago I noticed my daughter was becoming a slob. That’s right, a slob. I had let things slide and instead of making her clean up after herself I would do it for her. 

I felt bad because she was so tired all the time. She went from being home with mommy, relaxing and even taking the odd nap when she needed it to being in kindergarten full-time. After school she was just so tired, I felt like it was my responsibility to clean up after her so she could relax.

Well, a few months into school she became used to it and wasn’t as tired any more, but she still wasn’t picking up after herself. Worse, she didn’t want to and would whine when I told her to put her things away! I knew then that something really had to change, that I had to motivate her some how to start taking responsibility. 

Letting Go of The Guilt

At first I felt kind of guilty forcing her to clean up after herself, “she‘s only four years old!”, but I knew I would feel more guilty if I allowed her to grow up not fully understanding responsibilities. I’ve witnessed what happens to children when their parents don’t force responsibilities on them; they grow up unprepared for the real world.

The Chore List

That’s when I made her a chore list. This is something Nick and I decided together to help Sidney begin to understand responsibilities. Mind you, her chore list is really simple and age appropriate.

Things listed on her chore list include:

• Hang up backpack
• Put shoes away
• Pick up toys
• Put clothes in laundry basket
• Help sort laundry
• Help with meal prep
• Help set table
• Homework
• Feed pets
• Help clear table
• Water plants
• Help with yard work (gardening, raking, shovelling snow)

 

Helping

Most of the chores on Sidney’s list say “help” because obviously she can’t clear an entire table by herself and I wouldn’t expect her to. It’s important to take the time to help her, even when I feel frustrated. Just like my teachers, my supervisors and my parents have helped teach me new skills, I have to take the time to teach her. It also promotes teamwork. 

The Benefits and Awards

To help motivate her, I simply drew out a chart on a piece of colourful paper and every time she completes a task she gets a sticker!  Sidney also made her own piggy bank out of an old jar by decorating it. Five tasks equals one quarter that we tally up at the end of the week. Twenty five cents may not seem like a lot to an adult but to a five year old it’s a major accomplishment. 

Most of these tasks are easy and to be expected of her on a daily basis so I don’t see the need to be paying her a large allowance. Besides, Sidney has a savings account that I put money into regularly. 

This chore list is simply to encourage her, build self confidence/self worth and responsibility. 

It also lessens my workload at the end of the day! 

Do your children have chores list? What kind of chores do they have and how are they rewarded?

Thanks,