If you are like me, you spend your days doing chores, picking up the same crap over and over again, every. single. day. This gets so old, so fast, and while it is part of the job description, I don’t believe in being a slave to my family’s messes.
About a year ago, when Piper came along, Addie really took an interest in helping me. Unfortunately, a lot of the things she wanted to do she couldn’t because she was too small. This led me to come up with a few daily chores that not only she could do on her own, but also that were helpful to me throughout the day.
When choosing chores for your little ones I have a few tips:
1) Keep their abilities in mind. Try not to give them a task that is too daunting and will frustrate them. Chores are already lacking in the fun department and adding frustration to the task will only make them less inclined to do theirs with a good attitude.
2) What makes them tick. Addie is a born nurturer so doing things that help others makes her feel good (i.e., feeding the dog).
3A) Don’t expect perfection. Remember that in the beginning you are laying groundwork. You are teaching your kids that they have a responsibility to your family to do their part. Whatever it is, in the beginning it wont be pretty. If they are sweeping, they probably wont get all of the crap off the floor, and if they are making their bed, it will be wrinkled.
3B) Don’t fix their work. As tempting as it is, they will notice if you are behind them with the Shark getting the stuff they missed on the floor. They will see that their bed isn’t made the way they did it. Unless they ask for help, I find it’s best to let what they do be good enough because it hurts their feelings if we micromanage. Be OK with imperfection!
