But it’s important to keep in mind some things when involving them:
· doing chores has to be a cooperative and voluntary activity. Never try to bribe or punish a child for not wanting to do it;
· also, avoid putting pressure on your child by using praise: “Constant praise and encouragement usually have the opposite effect of what we intend. There is a fine line between encouragement and pressure for many children.” (Janet Lansbury);
· choose chores that you know your child can help with, to encourage their participation. You’ve probably observed your child playing and know what he/she can do. Choose tasks that are appropriate and bring everything to your kid’s level. Simplify tasks or ask them to help with a certain step in the process. If a certain task is too difficult, your child will get discouraged and his self-esteem will suffer.
At the moment, our 14-month-old helps us:
· unload the spoons from the dishwasher;
· wipe the table after eating or doing crafts;
· put her dirty clothes in her tiny laundry basket;
· take the clothes from the basket and put them in the washing machine;
· hang clothes, by handing them to me (sometimes even one at a time);
· do some light dusting, if she shows interest while I do it.
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| These drawers are very low, so she can reach and take her diaper and put dirty clothes in the basket. |
We also encourage her independence by letting her:
· pour her drink (with help)
· brush her teeth (but we help a little while she helps us)
· brush her hair
· wash her face with a cotton pad, then wipe with her towel
· put cream on her face (with a bit of help, so she doesn’t take too much)
· choose what to play and which books to read
· choose (from two appropriate choices) what pants, top, gloves, hat to wear
· choose which diaper to wear.
I’m pretty sure that I forgot some things, but it’s getting late and I’m exhausted. I might get back to this post and add some more things.
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