Strike update

So far we're doing amazing.  After my father and I talked with the kids, I've seen alot of improvement.  I am still on "strike".  Which basically means I won't clean up after the kids, and I'll only give them one reminder.  Which really in the grand scheme of things isn't a strike after all.  This is the way our house should and used to run.

The last few days I've had to remind them all to clean up after themselves.  But this morning I was pleasantly surprised with No breakfast dishes on the table or in the sink.  This is amazing progress!  I couldn't be happier.
They are still having some trouble remembering to put away coats and backpacks.  But one reminder of "Where does your coat/backpack belong?"  and it's taken care of.  Chores are also getting done mostly without reminders!  Yeah!
I am happy to report that my little mess makers have realized the error of their ways.  And I have realized the error of constantly doing for them.  I was doing all of them a great disservice.  I also realized that constant nagging/yelling is no fun for anyone and I'm hoping things will continue to run a little bit more smoothly everyday.

Pictures of my shame.

Water bottle and Dunkin Donuts bag on livingroom floor

Sink and counter piled with dishes

Kitchen table.  Not sure what is left on that plate

Dishes left on stove too.  Yup that's french fries on that bowl.

Coats, snow suits, hats, mittens, and boots piled up in the bathroom.

~Earthy Mom

No longer a Silent strike

I couldn't take it any longer.  I couldn't look around my house.  The mess is getting to me.  I think I was even beginning to drive my father insane with it.  He was in the know and I shared it all with him.  The few ups and many downs.  Today my father came to down to my house and looked around.  Then he told the children, "Your house is a trash pit.  Do you even realize it?"  They looked at him with blank stares.  "Your mother has gone on strike.  She is done cleaning up after you and doing Your chores."
The children, specifically the oldest, were angry.  They told him they didn't know what their chores are.  That they didn't leave any mess.  He told them to look around.  And that they are lucky to have me as a mom, because he would do much more than go on a silent strike.
So how did it come to this point?

My Mommy Strike

Today is the morning of the fourth day of my Mommy Strike.  I'm pretty sure nobody but me knows I'm on strike.  Not even my husband, because I have not told him yet.  I'm actually debating as to whether or not to let him in on it.  Since as I look around he has helped create some of the mess.  At this point in my strike I am having a really hard time looking around my house.  It is begging me to clean up.

Here is how the days have been so far.