 Mar 18, 2021 No. 24 We've officially passed the one-year mark on a pandemic that's truly changed how we live. There's hope on the other side, but we'd be remiss if we didn't acknowledge the extraordinary ways families have adapted this past year. In this issue, one editor talks about how she creates memories while quarantining from her family. We also dive into the lost art of family chores (spoiler: we can bring them back!) and all the tips for including kids into meaningful traditions, like those of Passover.  
One night before the pandemic, I picked up my middle schooler at a friend's house and saw an amazing sight: the friend's brother was folding napkins and setting the table.
Kids can do things! I thought. It was a moment of revelation.
I'm only half joking: My attempts to give my two sons chores over the years have been sporadic and mostly unsuccessful. While I grew up doing what seemed like buckets of chores (unreliable narrator alert), my kids clear their plates and maybe carry in a Trader Joe's bag but that's about it.
So, what's the reason for this drop-off in family chores, and what can we do about it? I talk to experts about the science behind chores and offer strategies on how to bring them back. reader ✉️ We asked readers for their favorite art supply tricks. Joan uses an old bar cart for a stylish twist, and recommends "putting supplies in clear jars when possible." Lacey has a genius addition to her kids' art station "called the 'tinker tote' which is a plastic cube bin filled with paper towel tubes, egg cartons, empty ribbon spools, etc., for making any sort of invention."   eat
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cubby finds: dish up ask maxwell  COVID has gotten us all beaten down, so I'm eager to lighten the mood. April Fool's Day is coming up. What are some funny ideas for enjoying the day with my twin boys? - Sharlene  Dear Sharlene,
There is nothing more delightful than watching a child's face light up when they come across a really funny — and harmless — prank, especially when played upon an adult. I think that there is a great medicine in allowing children to fool adults — watching us get a shock and then give a big belly laugh. They love to tell jokes and say something that will make us jump … all of which breaks down our parental facade and returns us to the world of children, which is where they want us!
I've been collecting little pranks for a while now. I love to give them as gifts and I find them better than giving candy. Here is a list of some of my favorites, and I would urge you to give one as a gift on April Fool's (or before) and then let your children fool you. Maxwell Ryan is a father and was an elementary school teacher in NYC before founding Apartment Therapy. He'd love to answer your question: askmaxwell@cubbyathome.com
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Thursday, March 18, 2021
Whatever happened to family chores? {issue 24}
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