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