Summertime brings great opportunities for us to teach our children and grandchildren. I've always believed we're robbing our children of important life skills if we don't teach them to successfully do chores at home. They want privileges? Then teach them that responsibilities go along with that.
I knew some wise young parents who, on each of their children's birthdays, would give them a new responsibility and a new privilege. SMART!
I knew some wise young parents who, on each of their children's birthdays, would give them a new responsibility and a new privilege. SMART!
While it is sometimes easier just to do it yourself, take time to teach because children need to learn those skills that are important for a successful future.
Kids can learn that life requires work. By loading the dishwasher, mowing the grass, or doing their laundry, "kids learn how the world works."
To take the sting out of chores, set aside a time each week when the whole family does chores, Saturday morning from 8 to 9 for example. Then you don’t get into battles about when chores get done. Having the whole family do chores at the same time also helps. Your kid knows that every Saturday morning, this is what the family does.
And don't forget to add some fun in the mix. Play upbeat music or a silly song. It can make a real difference in everyone's attitude. Vacuum or dust to the beat of the music and let the kids have a turn.
Assign Chores By Age: Tasks that are clearly over your child’s head will make chore time dreadful for everyone. Don't forget to change up the chores from time to time.
After dinner, do a "10-minute Tidy." Set a timer and have family members scatter through the house putting away the day's clutter.
Once chores are done, maybe the kids could have fun making some good snacks. Here's a few simple ideas to get them started. Kids will always be more willing to eat something they've helped create themselves. Spending time in the kitchen also teaches your kids about measuring as well as learning to do team work with other family members.
GRAHAM CRACKER GOODIES
1 tub (8 oz.) frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 box (3.4 oz.) instant vanilla (or your favorite) pudding (4-serv. size)
30 graham cracker squares
sprinkles
In large bowl, combine whipped topping and dry pudding mix. Stir until pudding is completely combined. (It shouldn't be grainy.) Spread about 1 1/2 tablespoons of 'frosting' on a graham cracker square. Put second graham cracker square on top and squish it down just a little.(you'll want some of the filling to ooze out the sides just a bit because you need something for sprinkles to stick to). Dip each of the four sides in sprinkles. Place each 'sandwich' on a cookie sheet; freeze for about 2 hours (the hardest part is waiting!) Place all goodies in a freezer bag - the kids can 'grab and go', right from the freezer.
RASPBERRY SWEETIES
Just wash and dry berries and put white or milk chocolate chips upside down in them. The kids will be so proud they made this sweet treat for you.
My grandkids have really enjoyed this cooling fun treat.
KID-FRIENDLY ICE CREAM IN A BAG
1 c. light cream (Try using half vanilla flavored creamer) MM!
3 Tb. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
qt. size ziplock freezer bag
2 gallon size ziploc freezer bags
crushed ice or cubes
rock salt
Mix first 3 ingredients together and pour into the qt. bag. Squeeze the air out and place it into a gallon bag (for safety sake). In the bottom of the second gallon bag, place some ice cubes and rock salt. Place the other bags on top, then fill in the sides with more layers of ice and rock salt so that it is higher than the level of cream. Then let the kids toss the bags back and forth to each other, back and forth, and in about 10 minutes or so, they'll have ice cream. Yield: 2 -3 servings
Enjoy a wonderful summer!
"I love how summer just wraps her arms around you like a warm blanket" - Kellie Elmore
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