It’s time for Flylady

Because of the cold and flu season things are extra busy at work, and my household is a slippin’.

I’m embarrassed to say on the drive to work the other day I was debating which was more important: clean dishes or clean clothes. It’s a toss up but I think clean dishes win out purely for sanitary reasons! When this is your background conversation then you know…. It’s time for Flylady! For those of you who don’t know Flylady.com you are missing out! I found this site years ago and have loved referencing it often. The basic premise is that you do daily routines AM and PM with a weekly clean for an hour and decluttering! Babysteps make it happen!

Routines, cleaning and decluttering are all essential things to teach our children. Do you know how many kids I see in my office that are going to graduate high school and don’t know how to cook or do laundry! They have never had to do anything outside maybe make their bed and feed the dog! This is staggering to me! I gently say, "you know Johnny needs to learn this so he can survive on his own." Most parents nod their head and say I know but he refuses! One mom even said it was against her philosophy to have her children do chores! Huh? It did not compute! I just could not see how that was a good idea in any respect!

So on the eve of Thanksgiving I recommit to spending my time organizing my home so that I model good habits to my children. Do you know the way to get a teenager to help? Start when they are young and make it a habit and an expectation. Chores help raise kids' self esteem by realizing they are an integral part of the family. So when your preschooler asks to help, but it’s easier to just do it yourself, slow down and say “Of course honey” and hand her the broom.


Happy Flying


Dr. Sheila Cason