Household Chores You Can Teach Children

There are adults who don’t use common sense when it comes to operating certain equipment; could it be that these irresponsible, accident prone adults were never shown how to do anything by their parents? Well you don’t have to be that way; here are some great teaching tools to help your child help you get some household chores done. If you have noticed your child can’t carry a cup across the floor without spilling it, then he may be too young to take on these responsibilities. Teach him or her how to master the spills first, before beginning these tasks.

The ideas following will not mention using the stove simply because it can be a bit intimidating for a small child. So I am sticking with the fun items they usually see on those infomercials on the weekends.

 

Handheld and Regular Vacuum

 

Now I must admit I have had my children using these since they were two. I think it makes them responsible for their messes. Why should I have to vacuum the crumbs out the chairs with the handheld vacuum? Then moments later I have to vacuum more crumbs that have fallen to the floor. One time I counted almost five times in one day cleaning behind my four little boys who rushed to eat at the dining room table back in the summer and then rushed off. Instead of making it an occasional chore, it was one of the main chores on the 7 and 8 year olds list. Now the two year old is using the As Seen on TV Cordless Sweeper to clean up his mess.

  

Steam mop

 

Now I can tell you that this is an absolute blessing! I am not dumping buckets of water in the toilet. Nor, am I wringing out a dirty mop. So I thought if it is this easy for me, surely we can let the kids in on it. They were happy to use it since they saw it on TV. They just press a button to let out some water, let off it when you have your desired amount and let the steam work its magic. They were glad to see the steam mop because they knew that would be more money for them.

 

Toaster

 

Now the toaster is absolutely my very best friend on those days with the children want to get up before the birds chirp. I tell them, “Grab a piece of fruit out of the fridge and drop some toast in the toaster!” They have been dropping toast in the toaster since 5 years along with making their own peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

 

Bathroom Wipes

 

Now these are a godsend! You strap those little hands with some gloves give them some wipes and tell them, “Just like I use to wipe your butt when you had poop on it, I want you to wipe the toilet seat first, then throw it away, get a fresh wipe and clean the sink, another for the counter top, and another for all the knobs in the bathroom.” You see that is a start, then when their arms get a little longer or you can do like I did since I couldn’t wait for their arms to get any longer, I bought a squeegee, you know that handy tool that you use to clean your windows at the gas station, and I showed them how to clean the tiled walls, the glass door, and tubs with it. It’s fun for them and another great time saver for me.

 

Now I have no problem giving money to my children for household chores that are outside of their room. However, chores within their rooms are not up for pay. It is automatically expected that at least once a week, they should be checking their room for anything that needs to be thrown out, vacuumed, donated, dusted, and more. 

 

Dusting

 

The children do help with the dusting. They will come and tell me sometimes when they see dust and ask me, “Can I get an old rag and wipe that off?” They don’t have to ask me twice, “Sure and here’s a dollar or two because I didn’t have to ask you.”

 

Laundry, Fold Clothes and Put Them Away

 

I personally knew how to wash clothes at a very young age and I will tell you I remember it was scary in the basement, but it was a comfort to put those clothes in the machine and turn it on. There was something about turning on the machine that killed that eerie silence in the basement. But I digress, so what have I been doing lately to get them ready for this chore is what I call “The Monkey See, Monkey Do” principal. It pretty much goes like this, “Watch what I use, how I measure, and where I place things.” They no to check every pocket before they put something in the laundry and then recheck before the clothes go in the machine. Now the dryer is a little bit tricky because they have to remember to clean the lint tray before (in case someone forgot) and then after. They also have to learn how to feel around to be sure all clothes are dry. That’s it. So sooner or later I will be able to trust them to do it all by themselves.

 

Now other things I plan to show them in the future is Dishwasher Loading and Hand Washing Dishes 101, Stovetop Cooking 102 (the oldest knows how to scramble eggs), and I’m sure if they spend any length of time with other members of the family they will be learning, Gardening 101, Cutting Grass 101, and “Could you help me pick up my tools?” 501, oh that’s me. I grew up with the landscaping classes and I hate them.

 

You see when you have a house with more than one child, you need to start putting the children who are old enough to turn on the television, pick up the remote and select their favorite show, to work. Too many mothers are absolutely burnt out because their man isn’t cleaning, the children aren’t cleaning, and anyone who doesn’t live there isn’t offering to help. She has to be the one to put the dishes away, tend to the little ones, cook, do laundry, and so on and so forth while everyone else is usually seated in front of the idiot box watching the game. I think not! Everyone has a weekly chore or two or three to do in my house. 

 

So how do you get these folks to participate? You manage to get the older children to do things by reminding them about what is in your wallet. If you have taught them well about the power of money, then they will be more than happy to help out. You get the preschoolers to work by reminding them of that toy they saw on TV, the favorite snack they want, or some other thing they absolutely love. As for the husband, well you know if you come to bed exhausted enough, then he will see a pattern and start pitching in or making them help (if you have a lazy child or two) because he is missing out on the things he wants too! Know what I mean!? It takes some training, but once the children see you aren’t a wishy-washy parent --you mean what you say, and your spouse sees that you can really use the help; they will all respect you and do their chores. Otherwise, you can always go on a long vacation.

Parents: Sexual Harassment in School? Talk to Your Child

Gone are the days that a child could do or say things sexually to another child and not pay consequences for his or her actions. You may have been the child victimized by: sexual advances, sexual name-calling and requests for sexual favors back when you were in school.

Back then, you may not have bothered to tell anyone, because “it wasn't no big deal all the kids did it” or you didn't want to get in trouble for ay part you may have played in the sexual conduct. Now, you have children and you hope and pray they aren't sexually harassing anyone or being harassed.

Sexual harassment in schools is illegal under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits sex discrimination, including sexual harassment. A sexual harasser may be a school employee, peer, tutor, or visitor.

Types of sexual harassment include: unwanted sexual advances, touching, graffiti, sexually explicit drawings, pictures and written materials, sexual jokes, gesture, touching one's self sexually, or talking about one's sexual activity or spreading rumors.

When a child complains about sexual behavior occurring at school, he or she should report it. A school official will ask questions like, “What happened? Who was involved? When did this occur and where? Were there any witnesses? Did you tell any adults about the behavior?”

Incidents that are reported to school officials are supposed to be promptly investigated. If the incident is proven actions are to be taken against the harasser.

To learn more, contact the Office of Civil Rights 1-800-421-3481.

By Nicholl McGuire

My Thoughts on Raising Sons...

We are busy with paying the bills, making meals, cleaning house, talking to family and friends, and running from this event to the next. But do we have those bed time and dinner table discussions with our boys? Do we interview them while sharing some knowledge of our own? We didn't go through so many trials in life to keep lessons learned to ourselves. We are parents, but we are also teachers. Our responsibility to our sons is to show and tell, so that one day they can be the solution to life's problems. So where do we begin and what to do we do? Well for those who are believers in a power much greater than themselves, you pray for guidance and read this and other articles like it. As for those, who don't pray, the resources are available for you to teach your son, your choice.

One. Teach the boys why their body is special as oppose to why they should keep away from girls sexually until they are responsible young men. Remind them about STDs and pregnancy.

Two. Explain to boys the differences between girls and women. Make them aware of the menstrual cycle and hormonal changes so that they aren't shocked, confused, or even angry when a girl or woman isn't herself.

Three. Tell boys why it's not wise to make promises then not keep them. Instruct them on the power of words.

Four. Provide boys with examples of why killing, stealing, lying and doing other negative behavior only leads to unnecessary problems.

Five. Speak to boys about family history and ask how they feel about relatives without giving your personal opinions and experiences unless you can be honest without evil intentions. This will help them in future relationships with others.

Six. Share the wise words of great teachers, both saints and sinners. Ask questions to stimulate thought.

Seven. Use daily situations as teaching tools. For instance, point out a celebrity with much wealth, but provide good reason as to why we shouldn't desire their wealth. Remind the child of his giftings and why it is important for a man to create his own wealth.

Eight. Discipline children when they do wrong. Use negative behavior such as: belittling, ridiculing, and stealing to teach why it is important to respect others.

Nine. Be mindful of everything you say and do. Notice your own hypocritical ways. Make corrections and do apologize for the times you were in error. When they call you out on your wrongs, be humble and provide honest answers, “You know you are right, I shouldn't be doing that. My behavior is unacceptable. I have to work hard to change years of doing the wrong thing. Please forgive me, don't do what I do.”

Ten. Explain to boys why they should stand for personal beliefs and be consistent with their actions. Choose peace first in every situation before war.

This is a short list of the many things that we can teach our sons, but it's a start. Take advantage of those school breaks and teach them. They'll thank you later.

By Nicholl McGuire

McDonalds Nutrition Facts

The next time you take your children to McDonalds, take a look at those brochures they have hanging on a wall somewhere in their restaurants. They aren't readily noticeable, but my two toddlers found them off near the bathroom in a corner away from the cashier area (of course) in one restaurant.

My little one reaches for the leaflet and carries it out the McDonalds as if it were a toy. So proud he was to have it in his hand, he yelled at his dad to get it out the car when he dropped before getting out. One day, while I had a free moment, I decided to take the time to read it. It was definitely worth reading considering I wasn't that far away from spending a thousand dollars last year as a stay at home mother on just one thing, fast food!

As parents, you know how we are about "treating the children to..." and whatever it might be, they usually will pick it. This year I made up in my mind I wasn't going to be doing a lot of treating, so this particular visit to McDonalds was left up to dad. While I am reading the colorful brochure that has the website listed: www.mcdonalds.com, product packaging information, nutrition facts and figures and a toll free phone line (1-800-244-6227) in case any one is interested, I flip it over to see, a warning box below the nutrition facts. Here is what it says,

"Chemicals known to cause cancer, or birth defects or other reproductive harm may be present in foods or beverages sold or served here..." Wait a minute, what? Now I am particularly sensitive to this topic since three of my relatives have died with some type of cancer in each of their bodies two of which were within the past two years!!! I read on, "Cooked potatoes that have been browned, such as french fries, hash browns, and baked potatoes, contain acrylamide, a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer." You mean to tell me, as I stare at the brochure, that McDonalds uses a chemical on the fries that when browned causes cancer!? I keep reading, "Other foods sold here, such as hamburger buns, biscuits and coffee also contain acrylamide, but generally in lower concentrations than fried potatoes. Acrylamide is not added to our foods, but is created whenever potatoes and certain other foods are browned. The FDA has not advised people to stop eating baked potatoes, fried potatoes or other foods which contain acrylamide. For more information see www.fda.gov."

So after reading this paragraph, I understand why some people have sounded the alarm about McDonald's food. Remember that documentary about the guy who lived on the stuff for about a month and had all sorts of health problems? I think of all those people who daily drink the coffee. I think of the soccer moms who never have time to cook and are always stopping at fast food restaurants. I think of myself who fed my children the stuff without a care. Grandma was right, "Child, that stuff is garbage!"

Nicholl McGuire

6 Things You Need to Remember About Being A Teen

Disgruntled parents love reminding you about those "dreaded teen years" and "terrible teens." Wouldn't you have loved to hear people talk about how bad you were going to become as a toddler or tween? People who have nothing but negative experiences with their son or daughter love giving unwanted advice, don't they! Well, the following are six things you must remember about being a teen.

1. Girls like boys and boys like girls. Therefore, you can do as much as you possibly can to keep the two separate, but at some point someone is going to say, "I love him...I love her..." so be prepared not by screaming your head off at your frisky teen, but taking care to be wise, strong and armed with whatever you think will make him or her slow down! Oh by the way, more and more same sex relationships are happening too, so don't be so sure that their isn't a girl or guy that likes your child or vice versa a whole lot!

2. Teens need sleep. They are growing steadily and that takes energy! For some, their body is aching with all the developing that is going on, so if their sleeping is not interfering with your schedule, let them. They might be less irritable if they get a good rest each night.

3. Teens could use vitamin and/or herbal supplements too. With all the hormonal changes going on in their bodies, wouldn't it make sense to interview your son or daughter about their bodies and find something to help them through their transitions?

4. Teens worry. You recall the worries you had growing up ie.) grades, friends, parents, money. Well just because your teen's life may or may not have been like yours, doesn't mean he or she doesn't have worries. Sometimes teens will communicate, sometimes they won't. Just let them know, you are available to listen and make them feel comfortable to talk as much or as little as they want about an issue.

5. Teens care a lot about how they look while others don't. Whether it's what you consider a tacky hairstyle or clothing, it's what they like. Try to reach a compromise on where and when they should be expressive. If their style is too extreme and they don't want to compromise, slowly fade them out of certain family functions. There is no law that says you have to put up with a defiant teen--did your parents put up with you?!

6. Teens really don't know what they want out of life. Some may have an idea while others are clueless! As a parent you are just a guide, so direct them to something that may peak their interest (not so much yours.) Avoid being the dictator who wants to fulfill your dreams through your teen or you just might find that later in life, you won't have much of a relationship with your son or daughter, he or she might shame you, or worse do something self-destructive.

Nicholl is a parent and a former worker at the San Diego Job Corps. and the Homeless Student Initiative.