Have you, as a parent, ever tried to complete a task but your child won’t stop interrupting, getting in your space, or trying to “help?”
I think we all can relate to this and sometimes it can feel frustrating.
“I’m just trying to make dinner.” “I just want to put ____ together by myself!” “Don’t touch that!,” etc…
You know what my solution to this is?
Invite your children in to help you.
Will it take longer? Most likely. Will there be more of a mess? Probably.
But… will the task still be completed? Yep!
And you know what? There are so many benefits to letting your child help you!! Let me share some of these with you.
Bonding time.
Wonderful conversation with your little one can take place when you’re doing something together. As your children get older too, it’s a great time to connect with them in an environment where their hands are busy with the task so it’ll give them more confidence talking about their heart and what’s going on. My son and I have had great conversations while he helps me in the kitchen; it’s super sweet.
Enhance communication.
Whether you’re building something, working in the garden, baking, etc., this is a great time for your little one to learn new words! When I allow my two-year-old into my space to help me (usually in the kitchen), I don’t hold back the vocabulary I would use if I was talking to a 15-year-old instead. He’s not going to learn the words if he’s not exposed to them. I call things what they are instead of making up words to replace what things are actually called. Be real with them & they’ll eventually catch up!
Teaches important life skills.
It’s so beneficial for kids to learn how to do dishes, laundry, cook, fold clothes, vacuum the house, bake cookies, etc. I don’t want my kids to grow up, go off to college where they’re living on their own and have no clue how to do simple life things! Inviting my kids into the space of helping with chores and things around the house is only going to help them in the long run. Obviously, make things appropriate for their age. For example, I’ll have my two-year-old help pour things into a bowl when baking and stir it. Or, I’ll have him put the clothes into the dryer. As he gets older, these tasks will only become more “advanced.” And guess what? He LOVES it so much!!
Improves confidence.
Imagine what goes on in a toddler’s mind who is only time after time told to not help or to go away… they’ll feel not needed or that their parent doesn’t want them to help them! But now, imagine what goes on in the brain of a toddler who feels like they’re helping their parent! You know how happy that would make them?! I’m all about making sure my kids feel valued and loved & inviting them into your tasks will only be beneficial for their self-esteem.
Tia Marie 🙂
tia marie 