Cleaning

Ever notice how young children are so helpful?  They have an innate sense of wanting to help.  I know many parents struggle against this - they try to get their things done (laundry, dishes, etc) without the help of the younger folk.  I don't blame them - I have fought with the children to try and get things done myself because I know it will be quicker and easier that way.  It is much simpler and quicker for me to load the washing machine without the "help" of my toddler who doesn't yet understand the difference between whites and darks!  As time has gone by I have learned that it is better to give in and let Lilly and Rosie help me.  Not only does it strengthen our bond, but they seem so much happier afterwards - for HOURS afterwards.  And even if it takes longer for the task to be done, I feel happier too, because they are happy.  I take the opportunity to show them how to get it done right, in the capacity that they can understand.  

One household duty that required little instruction from me was teaching the girls how to feed our cats and dogs.  Both are filled with pride and a sense of belonging to the family by giving the animals their dinner each night.  The only teaching we really had to do was (1) only 1 scoop per bowl and (2) Lilly - the dog food does not belong in the toilet.  

Lilly and Rosie are now quite good at putting away toys in designated areas, making sure their beds are pulled together (I dare not say "made" quite yet!) and putting all dirty clothes in their hamper so Mummy knows to wash them.  Both girls have "washed" dishes, done laundry, vaccumed, dusted, and learned to feed and brush the animals.  

Parenting is hard - harder than one would have thought in many ways.  The daily grind can wear any parent down.  Working and raising a family brings on challenges that we never would have guessed.  It also brings a lot of joy.  Tears of joy when we hear our oldest sing a song or our youngest sing the ABC's.  Hearing thoughtful manners or praise to other people when we are out in public.  Even on the days that they have a bad attitude at home, when they behave kindly in public we figure that we must be teaching them something right!

If we can let our children help us as much as they can, then we can foster their sense of contribution.  It also helps us learn how to let go of things that really aren't that important. Well, if we can't get all of the laundry done in one day, at least I had a happy family while we did what chores we could.

Now if I can just teach Lilly how to make coffee for me - then I think we are making progress!