How to Clean the Kitchen

I have mentioned before all the lists I have for the children that are hung strategically through the house. I decorate them with a little clip art and laminate them, so they do look decent. The lists serve as reminders to the children for what or how they are to do things. Below is the list hung in my kitchen.

How to Clean the Kitchen

Before Meals:

Help prepare meals as necessary

Empty dishwasher if needed

Set table with plates, napkins, utensils, and glasses

Fill glasses with water

Set out vitamins at breakfast

After Meals:

Clear table

Rinse dishes

Load dishwasher

Put food away, wipe off jars

Wash and dry items that need hand washing

Clean off highchair

Wipe table, chairs, counters and stove

Wipe out microwave

Rinse out sponges and dishcloths

Hang dishcloths and towels

Rinse out sink and run disposal

Start dishwasher if needed

Sweep floor

Additional jobs in evening: trash needs taken out and dishcloths taken to laundry.

Peace, Hope

My Lists

I have mentioned before that I have created lists hung through the house that detail for the children exactly what and how they are to do certain things. One I have posted before is the good morning list and another is the good night list. See below the good-bye list and the welcome home list which outline how to manage a family's comings and goings.

Peace, Hope

Welcome Home List

Pray for peace in your heart

Take shoes off and put them away

Hang up jacket

Place any papers or letters in kitchen in-box

Put away other items: backpack, books, etc.

Wash hands

Good-Bye List

Collect my things for outing

Any books or papers, clothing or equipment needed? Anything to return to

somewhere or someone? Backpack, cell phone?

Have a snack and drink

Go the the bathroom

Wash hands and face

Brush hair

Socks and shoes on

Jacket, if needed

Tell others where I am going, when I will be home, and get directions

Pray for blessing in all I do and spread the love of God

Good-night List

Continuing with yesterday's post about creating good habits which help to organize the family, here is our good-night list. Both lists, the good-night and the good morning, are hung in the bathrooms. One in the girls' and one in the boys'. All I have to say is, "do your list!"

Good-Night

Examine your conscience, ask God for peace and rest

Plan for tomorrow

Pick up bedroom

Wash yourself

Brush teeth

Get dressed for bed

Put clothes away

Go Potty (reminder to the littles)

Good Morning List

Teaching children to develop good habits is one way to create an atmosphere of positive discipline in the family. A child with good habits and a sense of what is expected will display good behavior. One way I do this is to have strategically hung lists throughout the home. One such list is our "Good Morning" list. It tells the children exactly what they need to do before coming to the kitchen for breakfast before we start our school day. It goes like this:

Good Morning

Thank God for a new day and offer all your thoughts, words, and actions to Him

Make your bed

Put your pajamas away

Brush teeth

Wash face and brush hair