My Incredible Helpers
Can I brag on my kids a bit? For what seemed like forever, we were in the phase where I knew I needed to teach my kids to do chores, but it was so much easier and quicker to do it myself! Some days I just gave in and did it myself, but other days I really did try to work with the kids and teach them how to do the chores. It seems like a switch has just been flipped over the last week, but suddenly all three of my kids seem to be ready to do chores - yes, even Steven! I guess there's just something about being the youngest of three that makes his chore learning curve different from the girls' at that age. I don't know.
Anyway...besides having learned how to handle the chores like cleaning bathrooms (including floors), sorting and folding laundry, emptying trash cans without my help, sweeping and mopping the hall, and dusting (of course, these are in addition to the things they've done for a while, like cleaning their rooms and putting away their clean clothes), they have also surprised me in what they LIKE to do. The girls like to wash dishes!! In fact, they beg me to let them wash dishes! Now, keep in mind, I'm not talking about plates, cups, and silverware. Those things go in the dishwasher. Doug and I empty and refill the dishwasher, clean off the counters, and prepare the sink for the girls. Then they wash what's left - the pots and pans that need to be scrubbed; the things that are too big for the dishwasher; the things that need more attention than the dishwasher can give. And they're good at it! I typically don't have to go back and wash anything. I'm so proud of them!
As for Steven, remember the video of him loading the washing machine? Well, it's a daily occurrence now. As soon as the girls bring the sorted laundry to the laundry room, he's ready to go. He and I go into the laundry room where he proceeds to toss each item of clothing into the washing machine, stopping to cackle delightedly after each toss. It's quite the game to him, and it really makes loading the washing machine something I look forward to each morning.
I know these helpers are a gift from my loving Father, and I'm so thankful for them. It's so neat to watch them grow and be a part of their development! Lord, give us wisdom to mold them well!
Anyway...besides having learned how to handle the chores like cleaning bathrooms (including floors), sorting and folding laundry, emptying trash cans without my help, sweeping and mopping the hall, and dusting (of course, these are in addition to the things they've done for a while, like cleaning their rooms and putting away their clean clothes), they have also surprised me in what they LIKE to do. The girls like to wash dishes!! In fact, they beg me to let them wash dishes! Now, keep in mind, I'm not talking about plates, cups, and silverware. Those things go in the dishwasher. Doug and I empty and refill the dishwasher, clean off the counters, and prepare the sink for the girls. Then they wash what's left - the pots and pans that need to be scrubbed; the things that are too big for the dishwasher; the things that need more attention than the dishwasher can give. And they're good at it! I typically don't have to go back and wash anything. I'm so proud of them!
As for Steven, remember the video of him loading the washing machine? Well, it's a daily occurrence now. As soon as the girls bring the sorted laundry to the laundry room, he's ready to go. He and I go into the laundry room where he proceeds to toss each item of clothing into the washing machine, stopping to cackle delightedly after each toss. It's quite the game to him, and it really makes loading the washing machine something I look forward to each morning.
I know these helpers are a gift from my loving Father, and I'm so thankful for them. It's so neat to watch them grow and be a part of their development! Lord, give us wisdom to mold them well!
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