Parenting: The Challenge

Teaching kids even at the preschool age to help around the house is important. As they grow up they need to learn these skills that promote responsibility. With very small children have them pick up their toys, bring their plate to the kitchen after eating or have them help you unload laundry from the machine. Grade school children can help with putting groceries away, clearing the table, and folding laundry and putting it away. Older kids and teens can do dishes, yard work, vacuuming and taking out trash. These chores give them a sense of being part of the family, earning their keep and teaches them skills to take care of themselves when they leave the home.