Clean rooms and education....

As a mom, I strive to teach my children everything. Like reading, writing, playing, sharing, being nice to others, taking responsibility, helping, etc. I think this is essential in parenting. There's no handbook that gives you direct information on how to do this, or what to do if you battle. Cause you bet I'd have that handbook read cover to cover about 10 times. Either way, I find teaching my children responsibility the biggest challenge of all.

As a teacher, I am very aware of the correlation of home responsibilities and school performance. Studies show that students that are given chores, responsible for the condition of their bedroom (in early elementary years) and help around the house with other things, perform better in school. They are more responsible with their homework, behavior in class, demeanor around other students, and listening skills. Organized learning environments coincide with a structured home environment. Of course there are exceptions to all the rules. But typically this is the norm.

Where does this leave me? Between a rock and a hard place!!! :) As I ponder my daughter's impending first year of elementary school, I wonder if I've done enough to teach her responsibility. I know that she will academically perform, but that is only one aspect in life. Socially performing is a whole 'nother gamut. A structured home environment is my ultimate goal, only slight of controlling. Trust me, I've lightened up! ;)


I'm not a mom that requires her toys be put in the exact spot I've allocated for them. Now if I'm cleaning her room, they will go where I deem they should. However, if she's doing it, I'm not going to complain if she has her doll and dressup bins interchangeable. We go through her room about once every couple weeks to reorganize and get her stuff separated. She's definitely getting better at sorting her toys. She likes being able to find her things when she wants to play with them. But getting her to do it on her own is a HUGE challenge. She does have one chore so far. She's responsible for cleaning her bathroom and the downstairs half-bath every Monday. She does a darn good job! But when it comes to her room, she whines, cries, fights, and eventually just does it.

I think it's a confidence builder as well. She feels proud of herself when she cleans her own room. And that is where requiring your kids to have home responsibilities will help them at school. Little successes like clean rooms, bathrooms, or other home responsibilities flow into the confidence with classroom performance and academia.

Peace.