Getting Kids Involved at Home

Have no fear of perfection. You’ll never reach it. : Salvador Dali

 

 

Running a house, bringing up kids and the hustle -bustle keeps all of us super busy. One approach of reducing our individual burden is to share it and delegate responsibilities.

I know you must be thinking - another management lingo...

Delegate is to entrust (a task or responsibility) to another person, typically one who is less senior than oneself: "she delegates routine tasks".

Are there ways in which kids can get involved in the house ?

The reasons why we dont ask your kids to help are

1. We as parents think the kids are really small or inadequately skilled for home tasks
2. We dont know when, where and how to begin  ?
3. We are perfectionist and want things done a certain way (Read : My way)
4. The kid doesnt want to help out?
5. The kid is not skilled to do the job you want him/her to do

 

Your assumptions are your windows on the world. Scrub them off every once in a while, or the light won't come in. : Isaac Asimov

If we break these down it comes down to

1. Being Realistic about where to begin

2. Knowing how to begin

3. Keeping the child (and you) motivated to sustain

Here are some simple tips to get started

 

1. Match the child to the task : Keep the age of the child in mind but let that not limit you. The task could be small or big but something they do themselves (independently).

 Examples include keeping milk coupons, keeping the garbage outside for clearance, setting the table for meals, clearing up after eating, switching off lights and fans etc.
For the older kids - they could help in buying things for the house, water the plants, basic cooking support, cutting dead / dry leaves, take care of a younger kid etc

For even bigger kids - They can support in separating wastes, take care of composting, clean up the utensils after one meal, cooking etc

2. Communicate your expectations clearly : For instance, in my house i expect everyone including my kids to put things back to their right place. Some times when we are in a rush, we tend to do it ourselves since its quicker and there is no rework involved. Avoid this tendency. Help the child understand why the task assigned to them is important to you and the household ("whats in it for them and us!")

3. Allow for creativity and variations : Dont  expect them to do it like you. Even if you have a need to re do it in a certain way, let them finish and then do it with them. Its important to help them understand why the way you wanted to do things. It could be due to reasonsLast of safety or aesthetic sensibilities

4. Make a big deal about it : All of us enjoy recognition. When people come to my house and say its so clean and well organized, i give a lot of credit to my kids. They feel good about being part of this outcome

Its important to get started - however small. Its a way you are contributing to making them independent, building skills and capability in your kid.

Share your experience  :))

While it is well enough to leave footprints on the sand of time, it is even more important to make sure they point in a commendable direction : James branch Cabell