Feb 10, 2012

Little Victories {Little Ones and Housework}

Grace is now 3-1/2 but since the last time I posted about little ones and housework, we really haven't made any huge strides in the chore department. We've added just a few new things.

Grace now has the following responsibilities:
  1. Pick out her outfit and dress by herself. Put away her pajamas, throw dirty clothes in hamper.
  2. Make her bed.
  3. Clear her own dirty dishes after meals.
  4. Help me load the dryer.
  5. Clean up her own messes and help Leah with hers.
  6. Set the dinner table. (I make the plates, napkins and glasses accessible for her and she does the rest.)
  7. Empty both bedroom and bathroom garbage bags. Replace with clean bags.
  8. "Helps" vacuum and mop.
Leah's responsibilities:
  1.   Carry the napkins to the hamper after dinner. (Work in progress)
  2. Clean up her own messes.
Our latest victory with Grace was learning to make the bed.  When we first started, she would cry and give up.  I would help her, but then I realized that she wasn't really making the effort that she could.  So I simply told her that I  wasn't going to help her, but I knew that she could do it all by herself.  I stood nearby to step in to offer advice and encouragement. She wasn't happy, and when she finished, it wasn't perfect, but she had done it all by herself.  I made a huge deal about how good of a job she had done, and told daddy when he got home from work what a big girl Grace has become.


The next day, I told Grace to make her bed while I cleaned up the kitchen after breakfast.  You can imagine my shock when I went into her room a while later to see her bed made (see picture above)!  I had been hoodwinked into thinking her bed-making abilities were sub-par, but now I know better...


My goal is not just to teach my girls how to do a job, but to foster initiative.  I want them to see what needs to be done and do it, not wait for me to tell them.  I know I need to be an example of this and I think a daily routine helps, but I would love to hear any other suggestions!

13 lovely comments:

Phyllis Blickensderfer said... Best Blogger Tips

Allow them to make errors. When acknowledging there are errors, praise the labor involved, which is necessary to grow. Remember to carry that over into the kitchen and cooking, not just setting and cleaning. It may be easier and cleaner to "do it myself", but they need to work through the challenges and see the joy in cooking, too. You've got an excellent start!!

content2be said... Best Blogger Tips

You're right, Grammy Blick. I just had that thought today about allowing her to do more in the kitchen. Thanks for the great reminders. I love hearing wise words like these.

Rebecca said... Best Blogger Tips

Good job, Gracie!! I love her little bed and the mural on the wall, too....so cute and girlie.

Kari said... Best Blogger Tips

These are great ideas. Michael is doing more now but I should have specific things for him to do. Thanks for the post! Gave me great ideas...and spurred me into action!

content2be said... Best Blogger Tips

Kari, your teaching posts have greatly encouraged me with Grace, so thanks to you as well!

content2be said... Best Blogger Tips

Anything in miniature is cute, don't you think? I love the mural too! The birds make me smile.

Aimee said... Best Blogger Tips

Her room is sooo cute!! where did you get the wall decal?

content2be said... Best Blogger Tips

At Kohl's, believe it or not! I think I paid around $12 for it. It included the tree and 4 birds. I love it, and it took 10 minutes to apply. Super easy!

Jill said... Best Blogger Tips

This post is so inspiring! There is no shortage of blog posts on cute crafts and recipes on the internet, but how often do I see one about teaching children the value of work? Thank you so much!

Christina said... Best Blogger Tips

Thanks for the blog post! Just last night, Henry (just turned 1 on Friday) made a mess of his giant legislation (that he just got for his birthday). Every time I tried picking them up, he would get "reinterested" and pull them back out. (Grrr!) So, I sat him on my lap and explained that it was time to clean up. To my amazement, he picked up every block I told him to and put it away, one by one! I think it's easy to under estimate what our children are capable of, I think they are good at acting helpless, also. :) Keep us updated on new chores you think of for your little ones. :) ***enjoying your blog***

Christina said... Best Blogger Tips

Okay, auto spell correct. Legos not legislation. ;)

content2be said... Best Blogger Tips

That kid is bound for great things with giant legislation as his playthings at the mere age of 1! That was really funny. Auto spell typos can be downright hilarious. I can always tell who is posting from their phones on Facebook.

content2be said... Best Blogger Tips

Thanks, Jill! I hadn't really thought about blog content and children's work ethic before. Good point.