Mother’s Little Helper

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As a parent or caregiver you have probably heard “I can do it myself” or “I want to help” from your child more times than you can count. Many times this comes out during an activity that you may not feel comfortable having your child do or help. Naturally, they get their feelings hurt and your reasoning, if they listen at all, goes in one ear and out the other. All they hear is the word no or not now.


That is one reason it is important to try to find some activity or chore that they can do or help you do. It does not have to be a big job, just something that makes them feel useful and important. Perhaps the next time you are cleaning the living room you can ask them to straighten up the magazines on the coffee table, or the cushions on the couch.


If you are folding laundry, consider letting them fold the towels or carry the clean clothes to the appropriate room. Many children love to sweep, give them the broom and let them go sweep the kitchen or bathroom. It may not be the best job you have ever seen, but praise them for a job well done and that smile on their face makes it worth it every time.


Many times, they want to help cook or something similar but are just a little too short. Consider a Guidecraft Kitchen Helper that children can stand on. Its wooden construction and childproof folding design make it the perfect helper for your little helper.


You may want to take them up on their offer to help you clean as often as you can since you know that their sincere offer disappears quickly the older they get.

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At SensoryEdge our focus is to educate, inform, and inspire each person caring for children to be and do their very best. It is not always easy and sometimes we don't take action (or we take the wrong action) because of a lack of understanding the real issues. We hope that the conversations that occur here will help in some small way better the lives of children, their families, and the professionals who work with them. We are always looking for valuable contributions to our site so if you are interested in becoming a contributor contact us.