Despite what you may think – kids needs to know she plays a very important role in her family and does great things for her perception of herself – when she helps with the chores. As for us, we started Chloe really young with her chores – we feel that it’s never too early to get her to pick up her own toys and pack up the study room before going to bed or bathing. We feel that when we hand responsibilities over to her – bit by bit, as she grows into them, she becomes independent, confident and kind. Whether she is at home, at a playdate’s house or even her grammie’s she never leaves without packing up her toys – and throwing her garbage away. Having said all the above, I wanna tell you, she has her moments too – where she would questioned why she needs to do this or that – so as parents – we calmly tell her that our home policy is – she can do anything with her toys – but when she is done with it – it’s her responsibility to clean them up.
Of course, cleaning up her own toys isn’t the only thing that Chloe does – we give her a little bit here and there and for example – when i am cooking – I asked her to help get my oyster sauce or ketchup or noodles or rice – you know stuff – little stuff that she can handle. So cleaning is not the ultimate chore – chores need to be fun too! And don’t forget to thank your kid when they’ve helped out – no matter how small they are.
Some parents might think – it’s way faster if our kids is outta our way – but slow down a minute parents – because doing chores together is a way for bonding – whether it is for the father and kid or mother and kid. Trust me – i’ve put PB and Chloe to task – and they work together so well and the bonding was priceless. Parents have to remember – chores for your kids is not only he/she cleaning up right – it’s about the act of doing it – it’s about teaching responsibilities. You try it ! and let me know.