This year, I decided to make some goals for my kids for 2010.  I created a list for each child (with a little bit of their feedback) on what I wanted them to be able to learn how to do by the end of the year.  This has already helped me this year to be a much more patient mom knowing that we have a goal and a purpose to the challenge of teaching them everyday skills.  Someday, they will be independent adults and I want them to learn how to function in the real world.
It also helps me realize that I need to TRAIN them how to do these things and not just expect them to magically figure it out.  I once read that it takes children 7-8 times for them to really learn something new so it might take us a while but they will get it and become more confident in themselves.  My daughter has already learned how to clean the toilet till it shines which makes me want to do the happy dance and she feels pretty awesome that she is doing something that a lot of her friends don’t know how to do (as disgusting as it is).

So here’s my kids’ goals for the year.  Thought this might help some of you moms out there.

By the end of 2010 my 3 year old will be able to accomplish the following:

• Get potty trained
• Learn to pick up toys
• Learn to brush teeth & put away toothbrush
• Learn to dress self completely
• Learn to say prayers
• Learn to make PB sandwich
• Learn to wash glass/mirrors
• Learn to help unload
• Learn to make bed

By the end of 2010 my 5 year old will be able to accomplish the following:

• Learn to ride a bike without training wheels
• Learn to make his own lunch
• Learn to swim better
• Learn to fold shirts & pants better
• Learn to clean sinks
• Learn how to take a shower all by himself including turning knobs
• Learn how to dust
• Learn how to use & answer the phone
• Learn how to vacuum more thoroughly
• Learn to read Bob books
• Learn to clean room
• Practice making bed better

By the end of 2010 my 8 year-old will be able to accomplish the following:

2010 GOALS FOR SAVANNAH

• Wake up to an alarm
• Learn to do up-do’s to hair
• Learn to blow-dry own hair
• Help Mommy cook more
• Learn to make her own lunch
• Fast for 1 meal a month
• Write in cursive
• Have a savings account
• Learn to clean the toilet
• Read scriptures daily
• Get baptized
• Take care of Daisy
• Take piano/guitar lessons?

Their daily chores will be based on these goals and once they have officially learned how to do a task, they’ll get to pick from the treasure box. Oh and I also create checklists for some of the skills (like toilet cleaning) that they are supposed to learn so that they do it right!  You can’t argue with a checklist!  Mwa-ha-ha.