Engaging your child during the hustle and bustle of the holidays is as easy as asking them to help you with a big job. Many hands make light work; asking your children to help you to complete a big job will help you to break a big job into smaller parts and will benefit your child in the following ways:
Learning to work with others:
Breaking a big job into smaller pieces means that everyone collaborates to get the job done. Working alongside of other family members gives your child opportunities to observe ideas in action. Was it the same idea? Was it different ? Was the idea successful? What should've been done differently?
Working with others allows you to hear a variety of opinions, to learn the value of other's thoughts and to compromise to reach a goal. Give and take; both in the discussion and in the delegation of duties, can be learned in the midst of a big job.
Problem solving:
Compromising is just one aspect of problem solving. While working with materials, a variety of problems can arise. How do I fit the cans in the cupboard when unpacking groceries? How do I fold a towel when helping with laundry? Finally, how do I stir the batter without spilling it? All of these big jobs require thought as children figure out a successful strategy. While your child is acting on their ideas, the bonuses of patience and persistence are achieved.
Contributing to the team:
Every family is a household team and must collaborate to get the job done. Big jobs teach children responsibility and service towards others. Completion of a big job provides young children with the opportunity of feeling pride in a job well done.
Big Jobs include:
Raking the leaves
Folding the laundry
Delivering the laundry to each family member
Cooking dinner
Caring for pets
Cleaning the house: emptying waste baskets, dusting, loading the dishwasher
Don't forget to set your child up for success. Provide child sized tools and show them how to use it safely. Another important tip is to HAVE FUN. Talk with your child about whatever they want while doing the job and keep it enjoyable; that is the secret to more help in the future.
