Almost FIVE.

Holy Moly we almost have a kid in Elementary school. If someone could please find the past 5 years of my life that would be a awesome. The thought of having to be at school Monday thru Friday at 8:15 gives me the chills. We can barely make it to preschool by 9.
But, realizing that we have like an actual "kid kid" not like a "baby kid" kiiiiinda freaks me out. I feel like I have to start making her responsible. Independent. Respectful. Focused. I've taught other peoples kids for so long, I know what I want my kid to be like. Some kids can dress themselves at 5, others can't. Even though I may not like what she chooses, I want my 5 year old to dress herself (here's to hoping we get into a school with a uniform #sneakymom). I want her to be responsible enough to bring home all the Tupperware in her lunch box. I want her to speak up in class. Be a critical thinker. Ask questions. I want her to be aware. Know what's going on around her.
So, to get ready for being 5 we started with actual chores. Our days aren't the same though the week, so these aren't daily chores, yet. But they are things she needs to do when ask.
1. We just separated our kids and gave them their own rooms. This is what happens when your 17 month old decides to jump ship outta the crib. So she needs to keep her room clean, toys in bins & clothes put away as well as making her bed.
2. Get dressed by herself, we may pick out clothes the night before or it may be her job to pick out her own clothes. We've been preparing for this for a few months. She can successfully take all her clothes off and put them on without any help.
3. Helping unload the dishwasher. Her jobs are silverware, this helps her sorting skills. Tupperware, she needs to match the lids and put it away. And last the bottles and sippy cups, again she'll need to match them, screw them on and put them away.

We're starting small, little chores that help her to grow and work on sorting, matching and motor skills. As for right now it's a privilege to "get" to help. She's excited and enthusiastic to "work". As she gets older I'm sure we'll add in some incentives, but as for now we're keeping the chores "fun"!