| "My kids are just lazy.""Why is it so hard | | | | |
| for my daughter to keep her room clean?""It's | | | | the green item, say yes and have them put it |
| easier to avoid a fight and just do my | | | | away. Then have your child spy |
| children's chores for them.""If I let my kids | | | | |
| clean, I'll just have to go back and redo | | | | something for you to pick out and pick up. |
| things anyway..."Have you ever had thoughts | | | | Simple game you can play with your |
| like these? I'm sure every parent has. So, | | | | |
| what to do?How can you get your children to | | | | child and you get the room cleaned up all at |
| help out around the house - and maybe even | | | | the same time. The key to having a |
| enjoy it?Last Friday, a parent in my | | | | |
| daughter's first grade class asked me the | | | | responsible child is having expectations for |
| following question:"I'm thinking of giving my | | | | them. Are they always going to do |
| son some responsibility | | | | |
| | | | what is asked of them? No, but always |
| or 'chores' to teach him responsibility for | | | | including them in family duties, not only |
| himself and others and property. Do | | | | |
| | | | teaches them responsibility, but really |
| you have any ideas on what would be | | | | makes them feel like they are a part of |
| appropriate for a 6 year | | | | |
| old?....."Ahhh...creating a responsible | | | | the family and that they are important to |
| child. YES, I think giving children | | | | you. The bonus here is that you get to |
| responsibility | | | | |
| | | | spend more time with your child in a |
| at an early age is fantastic! If you haven't | | | | positive way.Here is a list of possible ideas |
| started giving your children | | | | fro you to have your children help you with:4 |
| | | | year olds and younger:* Putting toys away |
| responsibility, start NOW!!Children love to | | | | (even if at first it is only a few)* helping |
| have structure in their lives, they may not | | | | you put silverware away. Give them the spoons |
| always act like they | | | | to put in the drawer. ( |
| | | | |
| do, but studies have shown that structure | | | | of course most will not end up in the right |
| and responsibility are actually two | | | | place at first, but that is ok)* Have them |
| | | | help you with dinner (putting dry ingredients |
| things that children crave in their daily | | | | into a recipe)* Have them put away kitchen |
| lives. You can start as early as 18 | | | | wash towels or rags in the drawer that they |
| | | | can reach* Have them put non breakable items |
| months of age with responsibility. Now I | | | | (Fruit ) into the refrigerator after grocery |
| know that many of you are thinking, | | | | |
| | | | shopping.* Have them get diapers or wipes |
| Tammi is crazy, how can an 18 month old | | | | that you may need for changing a younger |
| learn responsibility? An example of this | | | | sibling* Have them push in the chairs after |
| | | | dinner* Give them a broom and ask them to |
| is when your child is done playing with | | | | sweep ( Again they won't be good at it, but |
| something ask them to help you pick it | | | | |
| | | | praise them, they are trying and that is |
| up. If there are blocks laying on the floor, | | | | what is most important)5 years old and up:* |
| say, 'Can you help mommy put one | | | | Increase the frequency in which they are |
| | | | responsible for things* Put their dirty |
| block in the box?' Show them what you mean | | | | dishes on the counter or rinse them off in |
| and have them follow your example. | | | | the sink* Set the table (Have all the plates, |
| | | | utensils, cups, etc. out for them and have |
| Once your child has done this once, make a | | | | |
| big deal out of it. Praise them, clap | | | | them set the table)*Have them sweep after |
| | | | dinner*Empty part or all of the dishwasher or |
| for them, give them a high five or a hug. | | | | put clean dishes away after they are |
| Have fun with the fact that your child | | | | |
| | | | washed* Feed a pet water or food* Clean up |
| just listened to you and helped you pick up | | | | their dirty laundry and make sure that it is |
| a toy. You not only can use this time | | | | put in the proper place* Have them make their |
| | | | own bed (It may not look like what you want |
| as a time for when you are teaching | | | | it to, but fix |
| responsibility, but a general time for | | | | |
| | | | it later after they have left the room)* |
| teaching. For example, 'Can you pick up a | | | | Have them put away their backpack and coat |
| toy that has red on it and put it in | | | | after school* Have them get their clothes out |
| | | | for school the next day* Give them a Clorox |
| your basket?' Not only are they cleaning up, | | | | wipe and have them wipe down the bathroom |
| but they are working on color, | | | | counters* Give them a rag with dusting |
| | | | product on it and have them dust all the |
| number, shape recognition as well. Make a | | | | furniture |
| game out of learning and your child | | | | |
| | | | at their levelThe list is endless, be |
| will pick up not only their toys, but | | | | creative and mix it up from time to time.I |
| essential academics as well.For children that | | | | have found with my own kids that they more I |
| are older, play the 'I Spy' game with them. | | | | involve them in my daily |
| If their room is a | | | | |
| | | | activities, the more they are willing to |
| mess, go up there with them and say 'I spy | | | | help me out and not put up a fight. |
| something green'. When they pick up | | | | |