As my children have grown older, I’ve discovered how nice it is to schedule a day with them to just hang out at home. On the weekends, they still ask expectantly, “What are we going to do today?” And I will tell them, “nothing” meaning we’re staying at home and getting stuff done. And then we’ll spend the day together cleaning, doing yard work, grocery shopping, cooking, and playing. Sure, they complain at first but at the end of the day, everyone is satisfied with the fact that we all had a productive time spent together and enjoying each other’s company. They have grown to know that going to the movies or to a friend’s house is a privilege not to be taken for granted.

Doing these things with my kids is so simple, yet it’s incredible how much intrinsic value we get from it. For one, we fit in together time while accomplishing the stuff that I would normally have done alone anyway. The kids learn how to work, becoming self-sufficient in basic life skills. Doing rote work together opens up the opportunity to talk about what’s going on with them. And the big bonus is how I save so much time by getting them to help that I gain an extra day to spend, chore-free, all to myself.

I always joke to my boys that they were born to serve me, just like in the olden days when farmers had lots of kids so they could work the fields. Actually, I’m only half joking when I tell them that. Moms - take advantage of the fruit of your loins and put ‘em to work! It’s good for everyone.