For a while we’ve been encouraging the boys to take on little responsibilities in the home. They are good at small tasks like helping to put the washing away, putting their dirty clothes in the wash basket, putting their pyjamas under their pillows and helping to set the table for dinner. Jared and I talked about wanting to give them a few new responsibilities, but I felt quite daunted – I hate nagging them to do things, and in all honestly it is usually quicker just to do it myself which totally misses the point.
I bought a book called ‘Design Mom’ (which is great by the way) the other week and in it Gabrielle suggested moving all of the everyday crockery, glasses, cups and cutlery so that children can reach them. As soon as I read this I knew that this would make a huge difference and enable the boys to help so much more easily. I want them to feel like they are dependable, and useful – because they are.
Setting the table previously had involved me getting the plates and glasses down from the cupboard and putting them on the worktop, but now when I ask them to set the table they don’t need any assistance. Otto loves putting laying the cutlery out and he can even place the glasses out too. It also means that they can empty the dishwasher quickly and (for the moment) they really enjoy it. Plus, they can get a drink of water or milk for themselves without having to ask me for a cup. It’s a win-win situation for all of us.
I feel like this is quite an obvious switch around, but one I hadn’t considered.
Hopefully somebody else will find it useful too!
E xx
Such a good point and something I’ve been considering for a while, the same goes for the cereals so they can do their own breakfast. Thanks for the reminder to get around to a reshuffle!
Nat.x
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Go for it and do not delay! You will not regret it. Let me know how it goes xx
I moved all our kid-friendly plates and cups to a low drawer when I was pregnant with my third – life changer!!
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I wish I’d known this sooner!!!
Such a good idea. I need to get the boys to help out a little more, Freddie especially as he’s 5 and a half now. Ive always had the cereal and cereal bowls within reach and they’ve been quite good at sorting breakfast out, might try the other bits and pieces now too…
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I always had to help lots growing up because there were so many of us. Sometimes I forget that 3, 5 and 7 year olds are totally capable! Hooray that they can get their own breakfast xx