i've had it

Generally, I am a very tolerant person. However, I have gotten to the point recently where I am fed up with picking up little grumble piles everywhere, closing doors and picking up dirty sox.

Therefore, I decided to write out a list. I don't feel like it's fair to expect kids to do things that aren't clearly laid out for them. And though I have said these things many times, sometimes it lasts for awhile and they just need reminders. However, I wrote up a list so that they can refer back to what is acceptable and what is not. This house is going to be a lot cleaner from now on... read more to find out why...

This will be the discussion I have with the 3 of them as soon as they come in from frolicking in the snow. I didn't want to spoil their fun just yet...

When you go in or out shut the door.

If you make food, clean up the mess.

If you are done with a game or craft, put it away.

(is it just me or is this all common sense so far? ... sigh)

Do NOT put your things on the kitchen table or the counters when I tell you to "put them away."

If I ask you to do something and you either don't do it, or don't finish doing it, you will be able to do some super fun cleaning chores.

If I speak to you while you are watching TV and you don't respond appropriately, there will be no more TV that day. More cleaning will ensue.

Be respectful of the house, your parents' time and money, your siblings and me.

Be helpful and try to solve problems instead of creating them and expecting me to always fix them.

Tattle-tailing with an attitude (no matter how right you may actually be) will no longer be tolerated on any level. Attitude = room/cleaning/no electronics/or whatever I decide.

When I talk, listen. I will listen to what you have to say after I have finished. Don't cut me off to make a point. Your point is that you don't trust me to help you and that will get you nowhere... well, maybe your room.

*big sigh*

Well there you have it. Reasonable I say, right?