I've been chewing on this for a while. Maybe even years.
I'm talking about the need for critical thinking/responsibility in children.
I was asked years ago by someone why it was so important for this person's child to learn how to do responsibilities at home when schoolwork should be the primary focus.
I explained that it was because of the need for a well-rounded child and did they think that when the child turned 18 he or she would automatically know what to do in life?
Wesley and Mikayla have had chores since they were five years old and they helped out in little ways before that. The chores have only increased through the years. These chores have taught them to think for themselves and to learn how to do things that will help them in life. There have been times I haven't helped them with certain parts of their jobs. I have wanted to teach them to think about what needs to be done instead of always being told how to do something.
Some parents are so hung up on things being perfect that they would much rather do everything themselves. It is easier to just do it when your child is slower or not doing as good of a job. However, when teaching your children life skills you have to step away from the "perfectness" of how they do it and understand where they are in the learning process. At first, Mikayla and Wesley's beds had lumps in them. The bathrooms didn't get as good of a cleaning, but over time they improved. (...especially as they got older and had to re-do it..
Today, I can trust Wesley and Mikayla to do a great job in whatever I ask of them. They have learned how to think for themselves. It has also given them a confidence that I see is now carrying over into their school work. They are still learning, but I have seen a lot of growth from what they are expected to do around our home.
Make your child's life easier by giving them chores and not doing everything for them.
The lessons they learn from responsibility will never leave them.
2 comments:
Great post! I unfortunately didn't start as early with mine, they were much older than 5. Wish that I had. But that I can say, it is never too late to start, as long as they are still in their formative years! It's so rewarding to see them take pride and ownership in their doings/chores as well! :) Ashley has only brought home laundry from college one time, and it was just a few days worth. She does her own at the dorm, and keeps her room clean and organized. That is equally rewarding, witnessing their responsibility as they venture out on their own! :) Now, when she comes home, she "takes a break," and isn't quite as neat as she is in her dorm! We've got to work on that! LOL! :)
Totally agree.
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