I have a helper. He stands about three feet tall and thinks it's great fun to help Mommy unload the dishwasher. Of course, he really wants to help put everything away, but I limit him to things that he can reach their destinations, like plates and bowls and silverware. You'd think this would be so nice for me, right? I mean, doesn't every mom want someone to help her with chores? So, what's the problem?
He puts everything away one piece at a time. One. Piece. At. A. Time. This is good because it means he's less likely to break something. This is also really annoying because it means it takes at least twice as long (sometimes three times) to unload the dishwasher. So, what do I do? I encourage him to keep helping. Yes, it takes longer and runs a higher risk of having broken dishes, but let's be honest. I break dishes, too. And, by allowing him to come help, he's learning. He learns where things go. He learns that it's good to help. He learns to ask for help if he can't reach something. He learns his limits (sort of). And, it also serves as a reminder to me. To slow down. To remember that taking five extra minutes isn't that big of a deal in the long run. And that sometimes, I would do better to take things one at a time, too, instead of trying to pile everything on my shoulders at once. Do you have helpers like mine? Do they force you to slow down and remember important things, too?
1 Comment
Christy
6/24/2019 12:45:06 pm
I think it’s so sweet that he wants to help, and you patiently allow him to do so. My friends and I joke that our children and grands have one speed - SLOW. You’ve made some good points. We won’t regret taking those extra five minutes.
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
This is a place for me to share thoughts and ideas not just related to writing. Thoughts about what's going on in my life, about an idea I got that I thought shareworthy, or just a funny anecdote.
Categories
All
Archives
March 2024
|