Grab a Shovel Junior

Okay.  I know this has little to do with fitness or nutrition, but it's definitely something that contributes to the total wellbeing of your child...CHORES.  Sometimes I baby my baby too much and don't ask enough of him too.  But I want him to be a capable, confident man.  Capable, confident men don't just wake up that way.  They are created by parents who empowered them by asking them to do for themselves and for the family. (Insert your little princess here if needed. Princesses are not cute past age 6 or so in my opinion- laughing on the inside begins here)

If you begin really early, like as soon as they can walk, he or she will never know the difference.  Up to about age 4 or so, small chores can be worked into the routine without much trouble as well.  Make a big deal about how they are growing up and are able to do things.  As they progress in age and you ask nothing of them, you might encounter more resistance.  But I teach kids age 5 to 10 and in general they are all pretty eager to help when asked.  Maybe it's time to reflect on whether or not your child is learning the value of pitching in or just how to do the menial tasks of life.  If you don't teach them, who will?

Here are some ideas to kick around.

• Putting away his/her own dinner plate and cup.  As they get older, have them put everyone's at the sink.
• Putting the silverware up after being washed
• Carrying folded laundry to the appropriate room
• Bringing grocery bags in from the car
• Wiping the bathroom sink and counter down
• Sweeping the porch or sidewalk
• Picking up sticks in the yard
• Riding on the mower as you cut grass- PC police beware- I don't care if this is "too dangerous" in your opinion
• Assisting you in meal preparation
• Removing sheets from beds and putting in the laundry hamper

If a child learns to do these things as everyday, normal life at a young age, the transition to adulthood will be much more smooth.  An entitled attitude will be one less thing for you to stress over when they turn 14.  Plus, responsibility builds confidence and gives us all a sense of purpose. 

Just remember, if you lean towards the perfectionist side of life, accept that most things won't be up to par at first.  Give mostly positive, honest feedback.  Little by little help them to do things better, but don't overly critique if they're giving an honest effort. 


Later y'all.