Since Joshua could crawl, Dave and I started training Joshua to help around the house. First we started training him to pick up his toys. If he could pull them out, he could pick them up. Now, at the age of 2, he expertly can pick all his toys up and put them away. He also can put his own plate and cup away after he eats, and he can wipe up his spills when he spills something.
Before he could walk, I also began training Joshua to help with the laundry. I would sit Joshua safely beside my dryer in the laundry room as I work on the laundry and then I would have Joshua hand me dirty laundry as he found it on the floor. He loved it, because it was a game, yet at the same time, he was learning that the dirty laundry goes either in a hamper or into the washing machine.
Joshua Trying to Vacuum when he was 1 year oldBefore he could walk, I also began training Joshua to help with the laundry. I would sit Joshua safely beside my dryer in the laundry room as I work on the laundry and then I would have Joshua hand me dirty laundry as he found it on the floor. He loved it, because it was a game, yet at the same time, he was learning that the dirty laundry goes either in a hamper or into the washing machine.
Today, Joshua puts laundry from my hamper into the washing machine; he puts clean clothes from the washing machine into the dryer; he cleans out the lint screen (his favorite part of doing laundry); and he helps me fold and put away the clean clothes. Joshua also can be found vacuuming our carpets at times (another favorite activity of his); washing the walls down the hallway; and even helping me wash the toilet. He has turned into a good little helper.
Many parents don't have their kids start helping around the house until they are much older. But by the time the kids have gotten older, they have been trained to think that it is Mommy or Daddy's job to clean and pick up after them. Then when kids begin being required to "clean" the kids think that their "help" is really a chore, which they hate doing. Training Joshua at such an early age and making a lot of it a game or filled with fun and songs, will help him to understand that as he gets older, it is not Mommy or Daddy's job to wait on him hand and foot, but for Joshua to pull his own weight in this house. Later as he ventures out of the house to his adult job, his work ethic won't say "hey, I do what little I can to get by," but it will be "hey, we all have a job to do, so let's do it right."
Joshua Helping His Daddy Haul in the Trash
Joshua Helping His Daddy Haul in the Trash
On our way back from Orlando this past Monday, we passed the giant power line pole in the shape of Mickey's head and ears. I pointed Mickey's head out to Joshua saying, "Look, Joshua. It's Mickey." He quickly responds with a "where, where?" I then pointed again at the ears and said, "over there."