I once came across a magazine article about a Mom who never called her kids’ household tasks ”chores” but instead referred to them as “skills”. This seemed a very politically correct and positive way to spin the business of acquiring these “skills,” which I myself had honed for many weary years. In short, I realized Mom would never be liberated unless the kids were apprenticed to learn how to clean. Thus, once they came of age to operate basic household equipment, the lessons began. You can help your growing kids develop these skills as well.
- Give them roles that spark their imagination. “Garbage Sack Santa Claus” encouraged our kids to assume the job of collecting the full trash liners from wastecans in the bathrooms and bedrooms and consolidate them into the big trash bin. They understood the image of Santa carrying the his toy sack (in retrospect, maybe the Garbage Grinch would have been more appropriate).
- “Park Sweeper” got started when we noticed how fascinated the kids were with the attendants at Disneyworld, Alabama Adventure, and even the Galleria. They thought the dustpan on a stick was so cool that they would literally stop eating to watch an attendant sweep up a fry three tables away. Seeing a home version of these dustpans with handles in Bed, Bath and Beyond, I took a chance and bought one. Sure enough, it was a hit. Now the new has worn off of this trick dustpan, but that’s all part of the plan. Our hope is that they get sick enough of the dustpan to prepare themselves for another profession.
- Swiffer mop – What toy can even compare to the Swiffer? It has buttons! It sprays! It even has a sort of diaper to change. Moms, you’re crazy if you don’t put this amazing gadget to work in the hands of your eager and able kids. Our moms had to wring mops and tote buckets of water, but now we are delivered from these messy hazards.