I always find it ironic that although summer is supposed to be a more laid back time, it seems to be the time that is most likely to go out of control.
Why?
That's why. It's a more laid back time.
Routine and systems often go out the window like a hot breeze on a summer day.
It's sad because those are the things that allow us to enjoy everything else.
That would be the kind of thing that probably comes naturally to those people with tidy houses, but it's something that 'some of us' need to work on.
The first step is to be aware.
Now you know so we can proceed to the second step. 
That is to set up even a few basic rules for summertime to keep the problem areas in check.
My kids are 12, 16 and 18 (19 this month!) You may need to tweak some of this to be more age appropriate. Most of the items on the list can be done with some help from Mom, and it will be a great way to introduce them to some great habits that will continue when they ARE old enough to do them themselves.
DISHES
Who ever is in charge of dishes must make it a priority to have the dishwasher empty so that we can use it instead of the counter for our dirty dishes. Dirty dishes go in the dishwasher – not the counter (or any other surface of the house.)
FRIENDS
When the kids have their friends over, messes need to be cleaned before they leave. For far too long I used to go with 'we'll clean up the mess after instead of spending visiting time cleaning'. WRONG!
For one thing it goes much faster with a friend helping to clean up the messes they make.
The other thing is that the visit is much more pleasant if the house stays neat.
Thirdly, as you may have guessed – motivation and energy are not at their highest after a friend leaves – especially if it was a sleep over.
So it often stays put far too long.
Bottom line, it usually doesn't take long for them to clean up any mess that they make and really is just a natural process – make mess – clean it up.
Sounds simple, doesn't it!
PLANS
If they have plans, they need to write them on the white board we have especially for this – it is sectioned off with electric tape so that each of them have their own spot on the board to write anything we need to know.
They also have to give me at least a days notice, although sometimes I slide on that if it works for me.
But I reserve the right to not interrupt my day if prior notice has not been given.
SUPPER
The kids have a few nights a week that they are in charge of supper.
I had originally made it once a week but they wanted two. It's working quite well although sometimes I need to pick up the slack. The rule is that the meal needs to have a protein, veggies and a healthy carb.
They actually like it because the other rule is that if they follow those guidelines, they get to make what they want.
CLEANING
They need to stick to their own schedules.
They each do 15 minutes per day. I pay them 2.50 for each 15 minute time slot they do.
It seems like a lot at first glance, but it keeps them motivated to do it, sometimes they even do extra – and it things run a lot smoother around here.
Besides, if I was to pay someone else to do it, it would cost a lot more and I would have to find someone suitable. This is easy and it really has been good for them.
LAUNDRY
They do their own for the most part. Sometimes I'll have a bit of overflow into my laundry but usually the hardest part is getting the washing machine!
LAST TIP FOR MOM: You need to keep up on your routine too. I do my BOOST circuit 20 – 40 minutes each day. The morning for me is the best time to do most or all of it.
Often I will do some and finish in 5 minute spurts through out the day. It's easy to keep track with the BOOST template that you can customize with your own chores. You can even make one for the kids.
That's it in a nutshell.
If you want to create your own BOOST housework schedule, you can find out more here.
GET A BOOST ON YOUR HOUSE CLEANING
