little helpers

It's been a 3 day weekend and for some that includes packing, traveling, and the not so fun part-unpacking.

Want your kids to help with these jobs but find resistance and unwillingness to help?

It's all in our approach.

As we arrived home, much later than anticipated, from our busy weekend, everyone went to the bathroom, slipped their shoes off and the kids quickly disappeared to get re-acquainted with their toys and such.

As my husband and I began unpacking and doing the things that need done, I realized the kids were no where to be found, and more than half of the contents in our car belonged to them.

So, now is when we have options. How are we going to get the kids to help? How am I going to handle this?

I slipped in the house, explained calmly that there was a bunch of stuff to put away and that we are all equally tired, especially Dad who has to get up early tomorrow and go to work. I explained in terms that they would understand that if we all worked together, we could get the job done quickly and then relax tomorrow.

Away they went. They willingly put things away in their rooms and unpacked. My son, who is paralyzed, even got to help. I carried him in and out of the house and Dad loaded his tiny helping hands up, and together, we put stuff away.

It's all in our approach. I find that when I talk to the kids like people and treat them with the respect that I like to be treated with, they respond like good kids, who understand the task and want to help.

It's important, too, to give them a genuine thank you. Really mean it when you say it. Get down at their level so you can see their sweet eyes and tell them how much it helped that they unpacked their stuff. Make it sink in!

I am going to work really hard on my tone with my kids this week. I know it gets good results, I see it all the time with them.

Lord, may my patience not wear so thin that I lose grip and forget what is most important to me- my kids and the relationship we are building everyday.

Our kids are capable of so much, and when included, can learn so much about life! Any child over the age of 1 is capable of something! Respectfully raise them in such a way that when old, they will not stray from it.