Children naturally learn to imitate and to copy their elders, their role models. From the moment a child is born, they begin to mirror our facial expressions, gestures and mannerisms. ‘Seeing is learning’ and by observing and copying others, children build and learn essential life skills. By allowing and enabling our children to take part in day-to-day activities and chores which are carried out around the house, we then include them not only in family routines but aid their development of essential life skills. You can also ‘lighten the load’ with a teensy bit of child slavery… I am kidding of course!
It doesn’t matter how many toys that you give your child to play with, you more often than not find the things that your child finds most entertaining to be an object or item that their parent/ carer uses regularly. It may be the washing basket, pots and pans, a sweeping brush or even your makeup and much-loved accessories. Be warned, my little angel likes to spend most mornings selecting my favourite pieces of jewellery to wear whilst parading up and down the corridor.
Rather than discouraging your children from using things which may not necessarily by associated with play, try finding a smaller and safer version of these items which your child can then experiment with. There are a wide range of children’s hoovers, sweeping brushes, mops, dust plans, dusters and even ironing boards available to purchase. Although these things may not seem like appealing toys to us, they are often the most sought after for children seeking to fulfil the need to mirror their elders actions. By enabling your child to take part in household chores, you are giving them the opportunity to feel like ‘part of a team’, this not only develops life skills but also builds confidence and self-esteem. You will also find that things seem to get done quicker because you aren’t having to multitask by entertaining your little one with an alternative activity whilst you try to get the chores completed.
Try to keep products/ items which replicate your everyday household tools close to where the actual items are kept, so that when chores are being carried out, it is easy for your child to pick up the items that they require and to join in with as little fuss as possible. Encourage your child to join you in carrying out day-to-day jobs and praise them for doing so, even if they are unable to complete the process in full.
Purchasing a children’s apron for your little one to wear whilst doing household jobs can help them to associate particular tasks with certain clothing and sequences, such as putting on an apron to clean, washing their hands after cleaning etc. Wearing an apron can also help to keep your child’s clothing clean.
Whilst it may or may not take you slightly longer to complete the jobs originally planned, offering your child the time and guidance to join you (their idols and role models) in the household chores can be fun for all!
14 comments
Great link up … I have added my top tips for a gluten free diet which I hope peoplr may find useful 🙂
Thanks Nikki I will check it out soon X
I love my girls helping out! My 2 year old loves to sweep, the 4-year-old likes the mini hoover and the big one likes to have a go at everything. I really think it’s a great way to learn simple life skills that will benefit them forever – and if they so happen to help me keep my house in order who am I to argue?! x
Exactly !!! So glad I’m not alone x
I’ve added my potty training post, it is kinda tips so hopefully it’s okay ?
That’s great thanks . Be sure to share your post on Twitter too and I will retweet
I love this idea I cannot wait until Ava is old enough to help me not that I’m wishing her life away ?
It’s fab having a little helper ?
I love this idea I cannot wait until Ava is old enough to help me not that I’m wishing her life away ?
#toptiptuesday
It’ll happen before you know it!
Lovely idea for a linky! That photo is so cute too 😀 Marianna has started trying to help when I tidy up which is great, and hopefully something we can build on. Sadly the same doesn’t go for clean laundry which, if she gets half a chance, must all be thrown on the floor… x
The photo was from when she was only 1!
Lol with the floor thing .
Great post and you are so right about little ones copying you. Both my girls ask to help when I get the duster out. They also both like helping themselves to my necklaces & make-up! They are only 5 & 8, and it’s starting to cost me a fortune on new lipsticks!! #toptiptuesday
You wouldn’t have it any other way though right ? Hehe