We all know that it is important to include our
children in daily household tasks. Although, as moms, it may not always be the easiest thing to do. Let's be honest, it usually results in more work for us. But, extra work aside, what are the benefits of allowing our children to be "helpers"?
Relationship Growth
We all dream of the days where we can sit back and let the kids take over some of the responsibility of household chores. Especially doing the things that we hate the most! Allowing your children to help in household tasks lets them feel very involved in the family. It allows them to learn about family relationships and builds responsibility and pride, not just for them, but for you too! It helps both of you communicate and listen to each other. And, believe it or not, it makes you both more patient! Sometimes you will need to be hands on and assisting your child and other times, you will need to step back and patiently allow them complete the task. As you are encouraging them throughout the process, this will teach them to be encouraging to others! Letting them help you, in turn, takes a little bit off of your load. Sounds good to me!
Personal Growth
Picture your children when they are older, as determined, dependable, purpose driven and responsible people. Guess what, it starts now! These are the characteristic that will grow as we allow them to take over some of our simple tasks. The responsibility of handing over some small daily chores helps fuel their determination and have a purpose! Not only does it give them an opportunity to contribute to the family, but it helps them set goals too. We all know how important it is to set reasonable goals for ourselves, why not teach our kids at a young age too? But, with responsibility and goals, comes failure and that is okay! I will say it again, it is okay to fail. Help your child build character and teach them that when they fail at something, they need to try again until they get it right and help them problem solve when they get stuck! There are so many life lessons they can learn by inviting them to help you with small tasks. Believe me, they are small to us, but SO big to them!
As moms, we need to let go of our expectations. Yes, the task would get done 500 times faster if you did it yourself. Yes, it would be less of a mess or more organized if you put those things away. Your children are not going to do things the way that you do them, and that is okay. Teach them how, or let them learn their own ways! You may even learn a thing or two! Instead of shooing away your child during dinner prep, invite them into the kitchen to help you! Do not worry about what your house will look like or what people will think. It is our responsibility as moms, to teach our children and to raise them to be decent human beings! It starts now.
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| Putting away silverware! My least favorite thing to do and his favorite! Yay! |
How do you go about this? Well, first of all, go back and reread the paragraph directly above this. Next, encourage your child! Get them excited to help you! Don't make it a chore to them, even if it a chore to you! For the sake of you both, try to avoid frustration. A big part of that is assigning age appropriate tasks. Do not ask your three year old to put away groceries or sort his laundry from dad's laundry, because it will end in frustration and anger.
Try not to use money or candy as a reward. This will make them think that every time they help you, they must be rewarded with something. Then, once you stop offering them money, they won't be as willing to help you or others. Be sure to give clear expectations and keep them simple. Remember this phrase,
KISS - Keep It Simple Stupid. Don't give five directions at once, but one or two at a time and then praise them when they've completed those! You will be so proud of your little one when you see the excitement on their faces from helping you! Embrace those moments, and the mess!
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| Setting the table |
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Washing potatoes before dinner
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Need ideas?
Here are some age appropriate tasks to start with!
Age 2-3
- put dirty clothes in hamper
- dress themselves
- fold simple laundry (washcloths, pillowcases, underwear)
- put away clothes in drawers (put corresponding clothing stickers on drawers to help)
- brush teeth by themselves
- throw away trash
- pick up toys
- put dishes in sink
- feed animals
Age 3-5
- make bed
- pick up room
- sort silverware or socks
- clean off counter/table with sponge
- water plants
- dust
- set table
Age 6-8
- get mail
- vacuum
- empty dishwasher
- put away groceries
- clean out car
- yard work
- sweep garage
