Tuesday, October 28, 2008

How To Lighten Your Household Chores

Special mention must be given to this little guy -- KokoD. He has been most helpful the past week. He has been helping me hang up the clothes and also taking them in when they are dry. It's really funny... it's like suddenly he decided he wants to help. He even washed the dishes after dinner for 3 nights. And mind you, it was voluntary. I didn't even ask. He insisted.

He's also been very, very good with babyD. Not just playing with him but taking care of the brother's needs. For example, he'll get water for the brother to drink or put music for the brother to dance. One day K was angry at babyD because he kept destroying her lego creation. So kokoD said "come baby, koko will take care of you" and he took baby out of the room so he wouldn't disturb the jie-jie.

When it comes to reading scriptures and doing worksheets, he's given me good attitude. No whining, instead concentration.

Such good behavior must be commended and that's why I'm dedicating this blog post to kokoD. He's definitely made my household chores lighter.

Mamas Parenting Tip
  • Give your children opportunities to work around the house. You have to start when they are still young. Even babyD helps around the house. He loves to take the forks and spoons to the dinner table and puts back his clean laundry into his drawers. Sometimes I will get him to carry the dry laundry into the house.
  • Involve them in your housework rather then chasing them away. There's always something they can do.
  • When they ask you to do something for them, teach them how to do it first. For example, when you make milo or milk for them in the morning, teach them how to do it. When you are folding clothes, let them try (then refold them later). Don't just do things for them and forget about the teaching part.
  • They don't teach these living skills in school, so it's up to you to equip them. At least when they leave home when they're older, you know they can take care of themselves.

8 comments:

  1. Wow good boy KOKO D. Mommy will surely reward you later. I praise God for the blessing in disguise when our "betrayor" maid cheated on us & didnt return. Since she left in June, I'm 4 new helpers at home who cold help me fold clothes, hang up the laundry, wash their own dishes, soak their own uniform, help me prepare the ingredients & set the table when I'm cooking..and these helpers are only 9,9, 4 and 3 yrs old. I can understand the joy you feel n how proud u r with KOKO D for her good behaviour & attitude & willingness to help. Mine do complain at times when the chores get heavy.

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  2. sorry for some spelling mistakes in the comment..too hurry to go do my chores.

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  3. very very very good...great helper...

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  4. Wow you got a really good helper.

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  5. Bravo kokoD!...he's surely a good helper.

    It's very true that we have to start them young. I'm happy too when my girl brings in her own cutlery to the kitchen after meal, keeps her toys/books after playing/reading.

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  6. Better rope them in to help while they are young and eager to help. Haha.

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  7. Good for you and KokoD. He is indeed a good boy. Yes, I do agree with you that we should teach them young. My 4 years old boy keep all the toys everyday after play. He sometimes will also help to hang clothes and fold them. Recently I showed him how to rinse cups that are not breakable so he would have a feel on washing dishes later. He did it a few times but too bad, he does not do often.:(
    Too lazy, a guess!

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  8. renet13:
    Yes, the maid leaving was definitely a blessing in disguise. It opened up opportunities for your children to step up. Not surprised that they complain. Mine do too. They have their good and bad moods. Plus different children have different characters.

    chanelwong, vickylow:
    Children can be very good... when they want to:)That's why must praise sky high when they do.

    fussy mum:
    Looks like you're doing well with your girl too.

    mumsgather:
    Yup, coz' we know they are not so eager to help when they grow older and have other "better" things to do. Hahaha.

    cookief:
    That main point is that you've taught him and given him opportunities to learn. My children don't do it all the time either. But at least I know they can when they have to.

    anonymous:
    Here in Malaysia we don't really celebrate Halloween by going trick or treating. But I understand how you feel. Anything can happen to our children anytime and even in our own neighbourhood. I would say you're just being cautious and there's nothing wrong in wanting to protect your children.

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