I went to a “Mamameets” recently (Click here to register if you live in Dubai) and was speaking with some Mam’s about Little’s in general and my question of the day was, ‘Should they do chores?’ A Mam that attended happened to be a Psychologist and she explained that you should teach your Little what it means to be a part of a family. Explain to them that every member should be accountable for getting things done. Quite frankly – She blew my mind with some of the knowledge she had.
She then said, “If they are capable of doing it, why shouldnt they do it?”
This was like a lightbulb moment of for me. My Little’s are almost 5 (no interest) and almost 9 (interest if money is involved) and of course capable enough to do so many chores. Chores they certainly watched me do time and time again.
Which brought me to the chore I wanted them to learn first as it is one chore I am ALLERGIC too. Laundry – which is the top floor of our house and lets face it, the less stairs this lazy Mam walks at the moment (I will not piss my pants) the better.
I do not know a single Mam out there that doesn’t dread the mountains and piles of washing that families bring. Just when one mountain is folded and ready to be put away, another load is going in and when you see the end of the basket and finally feel a sence of accomplishment. Then comes MR O after the gym with more smelly clothes – It is endless!
Disclaimer: My Little’s do not own expensive clothes, so if something went wrong – it wouldnt be that big of a deal. I say this now – Could be subject to change…
They drag their washing baskets upstairs and do their own laundry! Littlered on washing machine duty as Aoibhie is a tad small to be trusted with electrics. Then they sit and fold it together and yes Aobhie has become bored (or maybe allergic like me) and left Littlered for dead (brazen that one). Yes, It takes a long time, but at the end of the day they are capable of doing it.
Another disclaimer: My OCD flairs up watching them fold things the wrong way. Im trying to let the, ‘atleast its one job I didnt do today’- Out weigh the ‘Why dont they do it properly” in my head. Deep breathes and positive thoughts. Give up all control, be thankful that it some how is washed and is back into their drawers or on hangers without me doing it – another win for the day.
The best part of it all?
Cheap labour of course! (Kidding). For me it really is one less thing to think about. Especially when baby comes. I dont expect them to do Mr O’s or my washing but their own washing and towels alone saves me time and energy.
Bonus points: Littlered’s weekly laundry volume has been cut in half. This fashionista has learnt if she wears an item of clothing for a short time and it is clean, she will put it back in her wardrobe instead of her washing basket as she now realises it doesnt wash its self. At one stage outfit changes through out the day occured so often she ran out of clothes. Now, she is well clued in!
Overall, it has been really good for us all. Littlered has a sense of responsibility and accomplishment – I can see it in her face. Especially on a Saturday when Mr O gives her a few Dirhams for helping. Aoibhie still whine’s more then I would like her to, but such is life. Lately I wish I could wine (oops, whine) and complain too while folding laundry. But I dont as no one would care, I still have to do it and at the end of the day it is a far lighter load now that they are capable of helping.
Love, Helly xx
PS – Do your kids do chores? Do you give pocket money? On a scale of 1-10 how lazy am I?