There’s no denying that Rowan is the worst when it comes to tidying up the house. Ask any family member, and they’ll all agree. I mean, I have to nag all of the kids to clean up their shared spaces, but they will eventually get it done. A good clean-up spree usually involves a lot of bickering and whining and at least a few tears, not to mention many reminders to stop horsing around–as they’ll inevitably get distracted and end up wrestling or playing with the toys they’re meant to be putting away . I try to encourage the girls to turn the clean-up into a game, so Rowan is more apt to want to participate. But he never pulls his weight or does a fair share of the work.

More than that, he’s very into sneakily cutting corners and being hasty in his efforts. After inspecting several recent clean-up attempts, I have called into question such tactics.

Me: “Kids, why is there a stuffed raccoon shoved into the microwave of the play kitchen? The stuffed animal bin is just feet away. Someone, put it where it belongs please.”

Girls, in unison: “Rooowwaaaan!”

Rowan: *smiles sheepishly* then proceeds to put away the toy, begrudgingly

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Me: “Everything in here looks good, except for that pile of socks that someone conveniently pushed under the blue chair.”

Girls, in unison: “Rooowwaaaan!”

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Rowan (with pride):”Mom! I just cleaned up the living room toys all by myself!”

Me (shocked): “Wow! Nice job!”

And then, moments later, after readjusting the pillows on the living room couch and discovering a pile of toys underneath: “Rowan! Seriously? You thought you could get away with this? This is you cleaning up the living room?”

Rowan: “What? I picked them up off the floor!”