When your children reach an age where they become more responsible, it's important that you can start to encourage them to help you around the house so that they can learn a host of different skills that they will need in later life. Figuring out where to begin such a process doesn't have to be difficult, as there are in fact just a few simple steps that you can follow to start inspiring your kids to help out at home in no time at all. So, if you're interested in finding out more, then read on!
Learning how to prepare and cook food is a vital life skill that your children will need to understand to take care of themselves in later life, otherwise they may be left eating nothing but processed convenience foods like microwavable meals and drive-thru burgers that offer little nutritional value.
Cooking for a big family is never an easy task, so it's always great to have some help on hand, too. It's a good idea to ease them into the process gently by encouraging them to start making their own packed lunches for school, as this way all they need to do is make a suitable sandwich or similar cold meal that doesn't require any or much cooking. This also provides them with the opportunity to consider what makes a balanced meal, as you can point them in the right direction towards the right portion sizes and food types. When they're old enough to understand the dangers of the kitchen, they can begin to help you prepare evening meals for yourselves and your family. In order to inspire them to want to take part, consider letting them choose a recipe such as a creamy, cheesy tetrazzini or some fun Mexican style taco shells!
Cleaning & Tidying
It can be really stressful to try and clean and tidy after your children when you have so many other responsibilities that are fighting for your attention, so it can be extremely beneficial to get them involved in the process to ease some pressure from your shoulders. Obviously you don't need to rope them in to help bleach the toilet as this would be very dangerous, but they can certainly help with more basic tasks such as putting their toys away after playing with them or even folding or hanging up their clean clothes after you do a load of laundry.
Encouraging them to be tidy from an early age will teach them important lessons about organization, and it will ensure their environment is always in the best condition, too. The risk of flying through the air after stepping on a toy car is greatly reduced when they get involved in tidying efforts, so there's no time like the present to get them involved. Make a rewards chart to encourage them if they're a little hesitant at first.
Encouraging your kids to help around the home has never been so simple when you can take the time to utilize some of the brilliant ideas described above!
Great tips here. I have two young kids and often get them to help in the kitchen, I need to teach them to clean after themselves next.
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