Teaching Life Skills to Small Kids

Kids are naturally curious.  They want to know more about society and the world we live in.  They want to feel they are needed and that they could help in one way or another.

However, despite their good intentions, sometimes things don't turn out so well.  They spill food and water.  They can't fold clothes symmetrically. When they're very young, chores take longer than it normally would because of their questions.  Or because of their desire to improve/repeat things. Some even intentionally spill stuff again and again just to test how you would react.  Or they like certain things so much (like tissue paper or gift wrappers), they just want it all over the place always.

I'm not so fond of multitasking.  It takes a lot of willpower not to get annoyed.   

Covid-19 forced us to all stay at home and be with our kids far longer than we're used to. We're all out of our comfort zones.  Instead of complaining about their barbaric tendencies, we should seek help from the heavens and try our best to look on the bright side.  Now we have more time to teach life skills to our children!  We should impart to them the joy of getting things done.

Beng Feliciano of the Parenting Emporium believes in this and offered some tips in Inay Ko Po on how to get your kids involved at home (without losing your mind haha).  She says it's cool if you could start as early as possible.

1. Be specific with instructions

Sometimes the kids are quite clueless how they could help.  They see highly efficient adults all around them; they don't want to get in their way of doing things.  It's quite intimidating.  

For really young tots, Beng suggests that one could try to ask him to throw his dirty diaper in the bin or his soiled clothes in the hamper.  Toddlers who already know colors could sort white from dark colored laundry.  Some could be asked to wash toddler-safe plates and utensils in their sink (with the help of a kiddie ladder) or even hang clothes on hangers with clothespins.

For older kids, ask them to read labels when they use certain products.  They should study machine instructions carefully before they're allowed to operate them (especially the pricey ones).  They could also get involved in prepping ingredients for their favorite recipes in the kitchen.

2. Ease into chores for children

Show the kids how you want it to be done.  Be patient.  It takes at least five hours of daily practice for an average person to master a specific task.  Treat clothes folding and cabinet organizing like an origami class.  It takes time and focus. Some even incorporate working songs to encourage cheerfulness while helping.

3. Go easy with reminders and deadlines

Beng suggests making a chore chart for the kids.  Families with multiple siblings could have assigned days of the week for specific tasks.  Those who can't read yet can use symbols or drawings.  Beng discourages doling out cash to "pay" your own kids for their services.  She says they have to learn how to enjoy the pure satisfaction of helping out.

It's easier said than done, but we have to take small steps every day.  Hopefully our kids would all grow into responsible adults with a great love for God and life.

For more parenting tips and learning activity suggestions you may want to watch Inay ko Po on One PH :)

https://www.facebook.com/OnePHonCignal/videos/1264787953885227

Or check out the Parenting Emporium!

FACEBOOK: @theparentingemporium

CONTACT NUMBER: 0917 177 4366

EMAIL: theparentingemporium@gmail.com