This chore system also teaches kids life skills.
We hope your summer mornings have been full of sunshine, slow, and sweet memories. What may be lacking though, at this midpoint of summer, is a little structure. We’re sharing smart, simple ways to restructure your summer system without sacrificing fun, freedom, or family time.
Organizer Vanessa Croshaw shared her personal tried and true system that she says brings order to the madness and teaches kids valuable life skills at the same time.
Recommit to Consistency
Vanessa encouraged families to embrace a mid-summer reset. “We’ve still got half the summer,” she said, and it’s not too late to make it successful.
“Our kids really actually need… the best version of us and they need patience and love,” she explained. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s consistency.
Morning Routine: Start with Self-Steady Habits
Vanessa’s system starts with a consistent morning routine. “Instead of saying no, say ‘yes—as soon as your morning routine is complete,’” she advised. This puts the responsibility back on the child.
The routine can include: “shower, dressed, bed made, room clean,” Vanessa recommended.
She also mentioned that, yes, you will probably have to repeat yourself every day. “You think that you don’t need to repeat what the morning routine is because it’s supposed to happen every day, but you just repeat it very clearly, calmly… lovingly.”
Daily Duty: One Chore, One Choice
Next comes the daily duty—a simple chore assigned each day. Vanessa recommended offering choices: “Would you rather vacuum or dust?” This gives kids a sense of ownership.
She also encouraged starting young: “You can start as young as 18 months old.” Sorting silverware or matching socks are great beginner tasks.
Kitchen Duty: Teamwork at Mealtime
Dinner prep becomes a family affair with kitchen duty. “Our rule was if you help with dinner, you don’t have to do your kitchen duty,” Vanessa shared. This motivates kids to participate and creates valuable one-on-one time. Tasks include setting the table, helping with food, and cleaning up.
Evening Tidy: End the Day with a Reset
Before bed, each child is assigned a zone to tidy. “Turn on some music… 10 to 15 minutes max,” Vanessa suggested.
This quick cleanup helps moms avoid the overwhelm of a messy house after bedtime. “So that you, mama, can go to bed and wake up refreshed.”
The Bigger Picture: Life Skills and Love
Ultimately, Vanessa reminded us that chores are about more than clean floors. “They are learning tasks and jobs and skills and hobbies,” she said.
Even grandparents can get involved: “Let’s bake cookies together. Let’s sew on a button,” Vanessa mentioned. The key is connection, structure, and praise. “Praise, praise, praise every step,” she emphasized.
Find more advice from Vanessa on Instagram, @every.needful.thing.ut, or at everyneedfulthing.com.
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