Parenting expert Mia Redrick is an author, lecturer, radio personality, personal coach and mother of three young children. She is a leader in the push for the self-care of mothers, and shares her wisdom on how to raise children without sacrificing personal needs.

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Showing entries for Category: chores

Time for the kids to pitch in!

1 comment

April 17, 11:47 PM

by Mia Redrick, Baltimore Parenting Examiner

How many minutes in a day, hours in a week, days of the year do you spend doing chores? It’s time that you begin delegating some of that responsibility to your children. Not only will this free up time for you, but it teaches your children some invaluable lessons about the fundamentals of work ethic and being part of a family or group.

No matter what your child’s age, there are things they can do! Toddlers can be responsible for picking up their toys. They can also differentiate colors making them perfect candidates for sorting laundry. Have them help in the kitchen by setting out the unbreakable things to at the table for a meal. Putting away canned goods in the pantry is also a great chore for your helpful little guy or girl.

As the kids get older, their chores should grow with them. Being responsible for the family pet’s needs, whether that’s feeding or cleaning up the backyard, is great for school-aged kids. Who wanted the dog or the lizard that needs live crickets for dinner? Cleaning their own bathroom, vacuuming, dusting and putting away their laundry is simple for school-aged children.

When adolescence hits, it’s definitely in your teen’s best interest to have responsibilities at the house. It won’t be that long from now when they are responsible for their dorm or apartment if you think about it. An allowance is definitely in order for these bigger responsibilities, but mowing lawns, watching the younger children and doing their own laundry is essential to develop these life-long skills they will need anyway.

Now that you’ve freed up blocks of time on your schedule, kick back, relax and watch your kiddos work away knowing that you’re giving them a gift by teaching them to be responsible!

Live fully,

Mia

Topics: chores , kids and chores , kids and allowance , kids , delegating , toddlers

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