TEACHING KIDS RESPONSIBILITY
Parents, we’re sure you’ve been asked, “How do you get to everything?” The short answer is, you don’t. Piles of laundry, amiright? So, we asked our resident Littleworld writer and mom, Kim Brandt, how she lightens the load and makes chores fun for everyone. With Mother’s Day coming up, it might help carve out a little free time for mom and dad too.
Read on for her 5 tips.
INTRODUCING RESPONSIBILITY
IF THEY MAKE IT, THEY’LL EAT IT
Kids also love making their own decisions, so involve them in the process – take them along on shopping trips to pick out ingredients and ask questions like, ”What should we make today?”
Woolies Easy to Bake kits make baking (and messy play) simple and exciting. Also, check out these effortless and tasty snacks kids can practically make themselves.
It’s also a good time to teach them about their responsibility to the planet – so share reasons to recycle, make art projects with empty bottles, chat about food waste and turn peels, shells and scraps into compost.
MAKE IT EASIER
Make sure to tell them you’d like to get chores out of the way because you love having fun too. Say, "Yes, daddy is also excited to go to the aquarium! Why don’t we clear up the table quickly so we can have a day of fun?”
MAKE IT FUN
Soapy water is great for sensory play. And a bubble bath is a wonderful time to teach them how to wash themselves. Turn it into a game to see which sibling can get done quicker, or add your own twist to old nursery rhymes e.g. “Wash your head, shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes.”
Be sure to give your young’uns tons of praise for a job well done! Print out a chore chart, and get a pack of gold stars or healthy treats – every time they complete a task, the star will help them feel a sense of accomplishment. For tiny ones, print a chart with pictures instead of words. Keep tasks simple: Help feed the goldfish, brush your teeth, put on PJs, water the plants, take your bowl to the sink, empty the tumble drier or pack your bath toys away. Don’t criticise or take over – it will only dampen their confidence or minimise the effort they’re making.
MAKE YOUR ACTIONS AN EXAMPLE
Conclusion
Be patient and realistic. Your little ones might still leave their shoes at the front door, or leave toys out to meet your unsuspecting feet, but slowly introducing responsibility will turn them into independent, happy little beings who feel a sense of accomplishment.