When babies are born they required everything of us. Food, shelter, love, attention, clean clothes, a clean and dry bottom and many other things a baby cannot provide for himself. They are totally dependent on their parents.
As a child grows, they become more independent. A toddler learns to feed himself, walk, talk, go to the potty and hopefully mom has taught him to pick up his toys. Preschool children learn to dress themselves, tie their shoes, write their name, say their ABCs. They know how to operate a DVD player, use the iPad, play games on the cell phone. They are sometimes more apt at taking care of themselves than we want them to be. Acquiring their own snacks and other things they want.
When in early elementary children learn to read and write. They can get their own drinks and make some simple snacks. Sorting laundry, bringing it to the washing machine, folding wash cloths, underwear, socks and pajamas are great jobs for this age. They can put their laundry in their drawers and on shelves. Also cycling the laundry and bringing it to the couch (where I do my folding). Cleaning their room is an important task as well as making their bed. Late elementary kids can begin cooking. My youngest makes sandwiches, toast, scrambled eggs, pasta, frozen items and other easy things. Learning to measure, chop and follow instructions are skills needed for cooking. He gets his own drinks and snacks. Sam is learning to do his laundry. He is folding his clothes but he is not proficient. Washing their dirty dishes after eating is important to begin at this age.
By middle school, my kids do their own laundry. My middle child, a boy, came to me one school morning and told me he didn’t have any clean underwear. I asked him if he had washed his clothes. He said no. I told him that was why he didn’t have any. Laundry is much less of a problem for him now. High school aged kids should be doing everything they will do once they move out. They need to be prepared to go off to college or their own home.
The point is growing children need responsibility. Our culture is wrought with children, young adults and some adults who are completely dependent on others. As wise mothers it is our job to enable and allow children to grow in responsibility and skills. Every child is different and need their mom’s consideration in the area of ability. Children should be encouraged to do anything they are interested in doing. If your 3 year old wants to help with the dishes, put a towel under the chair and let them rinse. If you are a perfectionist, you will have problems. The dishes won’t be put up correctly, the towels will be folded wrong (in my opinion anyway and certainly not aligned). It is time to let go of these little details and let your children learn for themselves. If we don’t, they will be 30 and calling mom to come clean their house.
Let us be wise stewards with our children. Not only do they need to mature mentally, physically and socially but in responsibility as well.
Click the image below to get our free gift.
Leave a Reply