Picking up toys

Chores.  We hate doing them, especially as children, but there are few things that teach responsibility and the value of hard work better than chores.  Parenting two small children has meant that I do the chores while my kids are occupied elsewhere.  For awhile this seemed to work the best.  I could get cleaning and laundry done as fast and efficiently as possible with as little distraction as possible.  However, now that my son Gabriel is 4 1/2, it is time to start implementing chores...for character building if nothing else.  And so, here lies the remains of that trying endeavor.

"Okay, Gabriel, as soon as you are done watching your show, we are going to clean up your room together."

He grunts in what I take as agreement, whether that is true or not, I do not care to know.  Within seconds of that statement and my leaving the room, Gabriel and Lucca engage in an endless battle of "MINE!".  Alrighty then, our cleaning starts now.  I haul Gabriel off to his room, while he is still yelling about Lucca imposing on his show-time.  This may not be the best way to begin our new chore sessions, but I can't stop this train once it's left the station.

"Gabe, why don't you pick up the books on the floor and bring them to me so that I can put them away on your bookshelf."

"No, Mom.  I just want to read this story."

"No, Gabriel.  You can read the story when we're done picking up your room.  Now, please bring me those books."

"I can't.  It's too hard.  I'll just play with my toys."

"No, it's not too hard.  Just pick up the books and bring them to me."

(Lucca is ever helpful in these situations and starts handing me whatever is nearest to him, which is great, but defeats the purpose of engaging his older brother in a little cooperation and cleanliness.)

"I can't!  It's too hard!  No, Mom!"

I am beginning to lose my patience a little.