Letting Kids Help
So often it seems like when kids want to help us with something, we are in a hurry. We just know that they would slow us down, and we would end up having more work to do- which is not exactly our goal.
How often do we push them away, or tell them “maybe later”, and later never comes?
Letting them help builds character, in them and in us. It gives them a sense of self worth, and helps them feel good about being able to contribute. For us it fosters a closeness we would have them in no other way. It helps us see side of their personalities that may be hidden from us most of the time, and it helps us to see what gifts they may have.
God has a plan for each of us, even children.
It is our job, as Christian parents, to seek out the gifts they have and help them use them for the Glory of God.
I know when I have a small child standing on a stool beside me as I wash dishes- it seems to take twice as long to get the job done. But I also know that the times I have been patient enough and let them wash a few things, the child in question has come away feeling like they did their part in helping the family, and I came away knowing I had a part in them feeling good and finding a way they can help.
If you have young children who are eager to help, there are easy things they can begin with. Vacuuming is a great one. It is easy, and kids love to use the hose. If they have a set of “Cool Tools”, you could give them a broken chair or some such thing, and ask them to try to fix it. (My boys try to fix unbroken things- so watch out!)
Setting and clearing the dinner table is a wonderful way they can help.
Emptying trash from the bathroom, or even making their own bed is also a great way for kids to help. As they get older, they will know that doing things around the house is for the whole family, not just mom and dad.
For more on incorporating the family to help, read http://www.momisteaching.com/cooking-cleaning-and-learning/, by Summer Minor.
For more on discovering the gifts and talents in your children, see my blog titled “Bringing Them Up“.
Leave a Reply