Comments on: Let your kids tackle some meaningful work

By: Joanna Daniel

Joanna Daniel

Thank you for these very useful ideas. My twins are nine and I am finding that they often need additional meaningful work to keep them occupied and stimulated. After watching the junior bake off and junior master chef they have shown more interest in cooking especially my eldest son (9) who formerly stated that my his sister should help in the kitchen.
I am guilty of not allowing them to help; however, I find it hard work trying direct all three safe and the kitchen clean. I am working on letting go of the latter and enjoy the experience as they learn.

By: Bethany V.

Bethany V.

I’d love it if my kids could help more and do more independently. (They are six and three). But it seems that every time I give them a task or the freedom to do an independent activity (like a craft) the end result is a fight I have to break up or a larger mess I get to clean up. My six year old does try sometimes but I can tell that she thinks it’s unfair that her brother has no motivation to do anything. (He’ll give up TV time rather than help clean up, so she does it all herself). I realize they are young, but it seems that every time I try to let them do things for themselves, disaster ensues. As much as my tendency is to be a little bit controlling (INFJ here), at 7 months pregnant, I don’t have the energy to do everything myself anymore. What kind of things were your kids able to do at that age?

By: SM

Thank you for this blog entry. Something I need to remember! I’m INTP but although I’m quite relaxed, I sat no a lot because I know I’ll be the one cleaning up after!

By: Lisa @ This Pilgrim Life

Lisa @ This Pilgrim Life

I really love this Anne. I have a similar personality type so letting my kids work with me and then do their own thing does come easily to me as well. I really am so thankful that I have the opportunity to be home with them and that we have the free time and flexibility do things like this.
My kids do cook with me but they aren’t ready to cook solo just yet (the oldest is just 5). They are getting to be actually helpful, though, so I’m optimistic about the future. One thing that my older two (5 & 3) like to do is to “sew” with me. For now, my three-year-old just sticks pins into fabric scraps and is learning to use an embroidery hoop for simple stitching. My five-year-old, on the other hand, is starting to want to do projects more independently from me. Just a week or two ago, he cut a larger scrap of fabric and then cut out pockets and a handle. He pinned all the pieces in place where he wanted them and then used my machine (with help) to sew everything on. It is WONKY to be sure, but it is entirely his creation and I’m so proud of what he’s learning to do!
I also really like the idea of letting them plan a party! I think that I will add that to my list of things to do this summer 🙂

By: Johanna

Johanna

Since we’re deep in Little House love around here, this makes me think of Almanzo in Farmer boy when, instead of using his money to buy lemonade like the other boys, he bought the pig to raise so that he could earn money from it. Great post!

By: Anne Bogel

Anne Bogel

In reply to Nola. That's a great idea to re-type those recipes.

By: Anne Bogel

Anne Bogel

In reply to Alyssa @lyssandroo. Yes to the "challenging"! But also yes to the "worth it." :)

By: Anne Bogel

Anne Bogel

In reply to ARBM. Sounds good, hope it goes smoothly.

By: Anne Bogel

Anne Bogel

In reply to Samantha. That sounds amazing! Major props to you and your son.

By: Anne Bogel

Anne Bogel

In reply to Kate @ Mom's Radius. That lemonade stand does sound like fun. Glad he made a success of it. :)