Problem: 3 kids out of school for the summer. Ages 15, 11, and 9. AND 1 Working Mom (Full-Time, outta the house). They are either laughing hysterically (on occassion) or killing each other (mosre likely). Oh and we Don't have TV/Cable/Dish. And though my kids are excellent readers, telling them to 'go read a book' is a chore. I also have NO money, so I won't be purchasing "things to do" this summer.
Potential Hazards: I do not want to come home each day to a trashed house or children that have been fighting and crying all day. I also don't want to enslave them every day by giving them a list of chores because A) they probably won't get completely done, and B) it's summer break. I do believe in having some "recuperation" time.
Solution: ____(BIG BLANK)___
This is where YOU come in. Let me tell you the rules and then PLEASE, feel free to give me advice, suggestions and ideas.
#1. They cannot leave the house or have friends over when I am not home.
#2. They each have to complete at least 1 chore + make their bed every day, regardless of what time they get up.
#3. NO EATING other than in the kitchen. And ALL dirty dishes and trash must make it to it's proper place.
#4. Do NOT call me at work to tattle. Instead write it down in the "tattle log" and I will read it If/When I choose to. (This little "invention" of mine has worked wonders, by the way.)
#5. Do NOT call me at work to tell me you're hungry. All meal suggestions will be listed on the fridge. You won't starve before dinner, I promise.
#6. Do NOT call to tell me you are bored. Find something to do. If you cannot find something to do, I will give you an additional chore.
#7. No hitting, no kicking, no screaming (unless in danger), no biting, no fighting, no name-calling, no physical roughness, not even in playing. No bad language, no bad shows, no bad websites.
Ok - I think that is everything. So.....Please give me ideas of things they can do at home each day that won't cause a mess, that utilizes their energy/creativity and is somewhat fun! I thank you in advance for your wisdom! ;)