As a mom I find myself struggling to find a balance between spending quality time with the kids and getting things done around the house. More often than not I’m getting stuff done at the expense of my kids. Lately I’ve been trying to find ways to have fun with my kids but still get things done so my house doesn’t look like a war zone.
One morning after breakfast I was unloading the dishwasher. My 3.5 year old daughter runs up and says “can I help?”
I love and hate that question.
I love it because any offers of help are sincerely appreciated.
I hate it because let’s be honest: most times a 3 year old’s “help” is more of a hindrance. Am I right?!?
Knowing that her heart is in the right place, I have to focus and find a way she can help that will be beneficial for both of us.
Then I have a great idea. More like God giving me a great idea.
Play the sorting game with her. Any boring task made into a game is fun for a 3 year old.
I took the silverware out of the dishwasher and the silverware tray out of the drawer. I explained where each piece goes and asked if she could sort it for me. She excitedly started her “game” as I happily put the rest of the dishes away knowing that we were both having fun while getting something done.
She liked it so much she dumped out more silverware and started sorting again. And again. And again.
Dishes being put away while daughter plays a game = two birds with one stone.
Score!
How do you teach your young children to help around the house? Better yet, how do you get housework done and make sure you have enough time with the kids? I’d love to hear what you think!
This post linked to It’s Overflowing.
I love this idea! My little one is only 9 months old and it’s already so hard to get things done, which is even worse when working from home! I’m definitely pinning this. 🙂
I’m so glad you found this helpful, Sarah! Thanks so much for your kind words!
I recently saw on a blog that the woman gave her kids some washclothes and a bowl of water and told them to wash the floor. It may mean an extra sweep through with a towel, but my kitchen floors haven’t been this clean since before I had children!
My two year old LOVES helping around the house, especially with unloading the dishwasher. I moved all of his plates, utensils, cups, etc. into a cabinet that he can get to easily so when it comes time to unload the dishwasher I make a pile of his items only that he can put away in his cabinet. I can usually unload everything else while he’s working on his pile. When I’m cooking, I get out his play pots and pans and fake food and tell him to make me something to eat. He loves that game too!
I love the idea of making a space to put their dishes away. I might have to do that! Thanks so much for stopping by!
My mom’s favorite game was “The Quiet Game”–the winner was the person who could keep quiet the longest. I hated the quiet game. I’d rather play the sorting game any day!!