For several weeks now, Alex has been "helping" me with the dishes almost every day. What this means is that he stands on a chair next to me and plays with plastic spoons and bowls in the rinse water. Sometimes, he will even help to stack the dishes on the dish drainer. He thinks it is great fun and will ask several times a day if it's time to "do da dishes."
I want to do what I can to foster this attitude of helpfulness (because I am not naive enough to think that it will continue forever). So, I'm curious -- if you have children, what chores do you require of them on a daily basis, and at what age did they start? I am surprised at how much a two-year old can really do (with assistance and supervision, of course -- nobody go calling CPS!). In addition to helping with the dishes, Alex likes to help me sweep, dust, and sort the laundry, and he is very good at throwing things in the trash. He also puts his dishes in the sink after meals, his dirty clothes in the hamper after bath time, and picks up his toys every night before bed.
Feel free to chime in by leaving a comment below!
Hi Laura~
ReplyDeleteCaleb just turned 3 and he loves to help put away his clothes, set the table and empty all the small trash cans. Hunter is 5 and helps with the dog chores and dishes. They both make their beds(pull up the sheet and comforter) put their clothes in the hamper, and various other things. Actually by starting early they do tend to make it a good habit. I think Alex is doing great with his help!
He is such a cutie too!
Take care,
Lori Clark
We make Stone change his own diapers! And then we require him to be "green" and recycle them in the neighbors yard!
ReplyDeleteWell...can't give you any advice on this one. But I would love for Alex to come by and do da dishes, or pack da boxes, or make da bed!!!! He could get a lot of practise in our place right now!
ReplyDeleteSeriously - how sweet that he loves to help and may you be blessed with patience as you train him up!
Laura and Rusty,
ReplyDeleteSounds like you're on the right track with Alex. Personally, I think one of the best ways to get kids to help is for them to see Daddy helping Mommy, too. And I know you do that, Rusty!
Love, Mom
ummm...ok, I don't know what to say, chores, a blessiddddddddd event that happens every TUESDAY???? It used to be so different. Ahhh when they were young,... anyway, i think it's great what you are doing with Alex. I on the other hand am most thankful for the treasured times that my teenagers are putting in, a helping hand by seeing something that needs to be done, and DOING IT, without asking. Believe it or not, it's happened, and just in the last week too!!!!
ReplyDeleteLaura, Saralyn just turned 2 1/2 and she also loves helping with all the household chores, but especially the dishes. She actually cried today when I wouldn't let her help with them. She also helps put away her clothes as well as ours (hey, I have to do hers, she can help with mine, right?), feeds and waters the dog, helps water our garden plants, picks up her toys, cleans up her room, and generally anything else I can con - uh, I mean encourage her to do. You guys are doing great with Alex. It's a joy to see him growing, and so close in age to Sara. It seems like every time Sara does something new, I read about Alex doing the same thing just days later. God bless you guys.
ReplyDelete