moms are teachers

One thing I've been thinking about lately is how to really teach kids.  I remember saying once, "there's no way I'll let my kids do that" or  touch that.  I've always been kind of a neat freak and cleaning after everybody.  I'm used to it, so I figured I would always just take chores upon myself and not bother with making my kids do it.  Besides, at this age Brody will do it so that I have to redo it.. (fold laundry, sweep, etc).  I was thinking back on my own childhood however when I realized that me doing it all is probably the worst thing a mom can do.
Through my own mother's example I learned how a mother should include her kids in her everyday activities.  Even if I can do something on my own (and sometimes would rather do on my own) it's important to teach.  Kids are helpers!  As much as it would save time to just do things on my own, I let Brody help.  Besides, he ASKS to help.  This may not last forever(;  I've really been enjoying letting Brody help me with things - rather than say, "no.. go play".  HE has so much fun with it and I know it's teaching him a lot.
Thinking back, my parents gave me so many opportunities to do things that weren't really "my job".  Like, by the time I was 10 I was planting a garden, doing everyones laundry, making chicken cordon bleu, & mowing the lawn.  I even remember installing insulation in the attic, scraping paint off the eaves, pushing the rototiller, and changing tires.  Even though at the moment it sounds crazy to think I'll have my kids doing some of those things, I know for me it was the best life lesson that my parents gave me so many "responsibilities".  I felt like a well rounded, independent person by the time I left for college.  I definitely want my kids to feel this way.
Sure letting me nail pieces of wood into our backyard tree meant I'd occasionally smash my finger, but it also meant I was building something- and I felt empowered.  My parents did a great job making me feel like I could create and do anything I set my mind to... so thanks to them I'll be doing the same for my kids.  It's so important!  There are far too many kids leaving the house that don't know how to wash their socks and brown meat!  That is a pity, I think.

11 comments

Randi Gardner said…
I definitely agree. My parents were the opposite. My mom had a terrible childhood so she wantes us girls to have everything we wanted. We weren't rich by any means but we were spoiled. We occasionally did the dishes but that's about it. I'm obviously not a ruined person because of it.ha ha But when i became a wife it was a wake up call. I realized this household was my responsibility and it was scary. Now i found joy in the work of being a wife and mother. And, My husband is such a hard worker so I look forward to teaching our little guy the importance of work - with him.
Anonymous said…
Great post. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. :)
Jennifer said…
You're so right! Kids should learn that housework and stuff is everyone's responsibility, not just the mom's. Alana always asks to "help" with the dishes, and it takes longer when she "helps", but who am I to turn away free help?
Suget said…
What a great post. Hyrum's crying face is adorable. hehe and I do agree. I like it when my sons help me clean. Turtle using wants to wash dishes.. so he can play with water, but he attempts it. and dj helps me fix the bed, even though he uses the wrong side of the quilt. But at least they are attempting to help (:
Kari said…
I so agree! I lived with two girls at college who would go home every weekend and come back with a week's worth of pre-made meals. I was always so proud I could cook for myself.
Shay said…
First of all, those pictures are adorable! And I love everything you wrote- letting your kids help especially. I will definitely remember that when I become a mom!
wholesouls2 said…
Some of my favorite of you and your siblings creations were the clubhouse you all built outside and the tarp pool using reebar and tarp that actually worked. I remember being so proud of you and I believe Michael for having made it. I loved taking pictures of you all swimming in it! Love, Mom
JED said…
Gee... I had you insulate the attic simply because I was too big to get up there. Are you saying that was brilliant on my part? Who am I to disagree?

I love you kid. I really loved the pictures of you and your boys. Beautiful.
wholesouls2 said…
I relooked at these pictures and they make me miss you 4 growing up. There is something so sweet and really heavenly about being so close to each other, in all ways! Love, Mother
christinerojas said…
I loved this post. Sometimes I forget what helping can do for children. (I am also a neat freak) I will keep this in mind for the future. :)