Washing Dishes

The dishwasher broke the other day - and while we are waiting for the repairman, we've been washing dishes by hand. Okay, that doesn't sound like a big deal -- but in a family of 9, there are a whole lot of dishes, all day long.

I finally found a system that works - for now, and since we're getting the machine repaired tomorrow, that's all we need - something that works for now.

The older kids already have a lot of chores, so I divided the dishes up amongst the younger kids. One of them prepares the sink, and then they take turns - each one of them washes 10 dishes (including cups and silverware), until the job is done. Generally one round is all it takes, and no child is left feeling overwhelmed. Actually, I think they are kind of having fun with it. They get the job done quickly, then pass it on to the next kid.

And it definitely beats having a sink full of dirty dishes!