Children dislike being idle, bored

I came across this quote: To raise grounded children put responsibility on their shoulders.

When we were younger, my mother ensured that all of us performed our chores whether there were nannies at home or not. At the time, I did not like it and thought it was unfair since it meant less playtime and increased boredom. But today, I am grateful because it inculcated a sense of responsibility in us.

We were taught that nannies were there to complement us, not do all our work. Our mother required us to bathe, make our own beds, clean our utensils and later, we had to make meals.

By the end of my primary school, there was no nanny in our home. This taught us to clean after ourselves and to take the initiative around the house.

That does not mean I liked the chores, but I had to do them because it was the responsible thing to do.

So, I was surprised that our children, particularly our daughter, gravitated toward performing chores.

I once took them to visit their grandma and our daughter requested to mop the  floor. I told her she could not do because it was too much for her. She  started crying.

My mother advised that I should let her help whenever she wants as that will help her become responsible Her face lit up after she was done mopping her granny’s floor.

She was so elated and I chose to let them help around the house. I began by allowing them to perform minor chores like arranging their toys, folding socks, setting the table, putting dirty clothes in the laundry basket, taking dirty dishes to the sink among others.

I realised how much children value structure and consistency thus I made this part of their routine.

As they grew, I added more age-appropriate chores to their list. I also explained why it was important for them to tidy their spaces. I gave incentives such as allowances, and letting them choose their favourite program or DVD to watch.

I must say they have really grown. They can now bathe themselves, make their beds, tidy their play area, fold clothes, wash dishes, mop the floor, make sandwiches and serve drinks.

Recently, I was amazed to see them serve their dinner, heat their lunch in the microwave and change their pillow cases. 

Our daughter has taken the role of a secretary and lists the groceries we need for the house. After shopping, our son uses his small muscles to ferry the groceries in the house. It is amazing to watch your children go through milestones, in their stride.

I have noticed that the more we have entrusted them with extra duties, the more they have thrived.

Nowadays my weekends have become moments to look forward to.

They like to be around the kitchen when I am doing a messy activity like baking.The other day we were making mahamris and they found rolling the dough such fun.

Our son enjoys kneading the dough. I have to say their company adds sunshine in the kitchen. And the best part is when they present the end product to their father to taste.

But it is when I am overwhelmed with household chores that I value their input.

When I have a lot of work, and I do not have time to clean the dishes and cook fast enough, they tell me, “Mum, we will wash the dishes and chop the tomatoes and onions so you can cook fast.”

That makes my day because their little hands have a way of easing any burden. And with our support, they are showing us that there is no limit to what they can do.