This happened today, and so I had them wash our balcony. It's been covered in dirt from planting and transplanting, so I gave them a bowl of water with a tiny drop of soap, and they went into the cupboard to pick out their own cleaning rags.
It took me awhile to feel comfy with this. It almost feels like I am violating child labor laws or that I created my offspring so that I didn't have to clean. But I really do believe in the idea that doing practical work is good for small children. They like the repetitive motion of it, they get to see results, and they feel that they are contributing to their households. And the truth is that they have fun. And at the same time, one area of our house gets ever-so-slightly cleaner. Sounds good to me.
3 comments:
HA HA HA! I love it! I've had students ask if they can stay in from recess to help me clean! My kids are the same way- love to clean... don't love to pic up so much (unless I make it a race- then the Bigs are all about it!) ;-)
Hugs-
L
You're right- this is a funny post for people to see if they first come- they'll love it though and hopefully poke around and see some of the other amazing things you do!
I'm all for child labor...take advantage of it while it lasts ("helping" seems to lose its appeal as they get older and figure out you actually want them to help...at least it has in our house)!!
Can I borrow them sometime?
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