Wednesday, January 9, 2008

I'm Superwoman? Not! Part 3

2. Pass the baton.



Even with the bar lowered there is plenty of work that needs to be done in a household of twelve! That's where the children step up to the plate to help. When they understand their help is needed (believe me, their help is needed!), and as they actually provide needed help, the children gain the understanding and sense of fulfillment that they can contribute meaningfully to the lives of others.


Everybody from the 2yo and older are have opportunites to contribute. The children who are 12 and older do the cooking and laundry. Our 9yo does the vacuuming. It doesn't mean he vacuums every time the carpet is dirty. But he's learning and improving as is the cleanliness of our floors. Our 5yo is our chief dishwasher unloader. She does a good job with a little help. She doesn't always get all the silverware in the right places in the drawer. Big deal. She's improving and that's what's important. Even the 2yo has jobs - regularly taking her disposable diaper to the trash as well as any other small task that comes up! It's important that everyone, including her, be contributing. Eventually, they'll all be great at their jobs and the house will be really clean. Until then I've learned to be happy with partially clean!

Thanks for dropping' by! Come visit again soon!

Momoften

1 comment:

Stephanie said...

Thanks for visiting and commenting on my blog recently!

I also have all of my children help with chores around the house. When they are trained properly, they can do quite a bit! It helps me so much!