Spending More Time With Your Kids

As parents, we often feel that our life is a big circus. More often then not, out kids are the clowns that bring smiles and laughter to the audience and we are the jugglers, always trying to perform tasks that prevent us from spending quality family time.

We can't get away from the housekeeping duties so why not make this task a way to involve the entire family? You will get things done and in the same time spend more time together with your children, not to mention that when you involve your kids in doing household chores they will feel useful and important. What a better way to teach appreciation for the work that needs to be done and for those who do it?

The following list provides some suggestions as to what jobs are appropriate for young children:

Two and three year old toddlers can help you pick up toys, books and magazines and put them in the proper place. Buy a small broom and they can help sweep the floor. Prepare a family meal while your little ones place napkins, plates, and silverware on the table. After dinner they can clear their own place at the table and put the dishes on the counter after cleaning the leftovers off the plate. When it's time to do laundry, let them fold washcloths and socks or help you load and unload the dryer.

Four and five year olds can help you compile a grocery list and put the groceries away on lower shelves. They can set the table and help do the dishes or fill the dishwasher. When you want to make a desert, let them hold the hand mixer to mix up a cake or they can add topping to cupcakes and ice cream. They can also spread butter on sandwiches and tear up lettuce for next day's lunch. When it's time to clean the bathroom, let them scrub the sink while you scrub the bathtub and toilet.

Six to eight year olds can be a lot of help: they can water plants and flowers, take out the garbage, peel vegetables, put white clothes in one pile and colored in another. With so much help, no wonder you've got time to walk the dog together!

Remember to take time for training and work with your kids until they learn how to do the job. It may be tempting for you to do everything, thinking it is easier and faster, but you will deprive your kids of opportunities to learn and spend quality family time. Always notice their contribution instead of the quality of work and don't forget to use a sense of humor.