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.
