A Caterpillar's Life (by Ben)

Sometimes the science experiments pay off!

Kids and Chores

I remember trying to teach a boss that it was better to get something done slowly while teaching someone else to do it, than to keep doing everything yourself. I painstakingly took many student workers through training so that they could grow in their skills, and my time could be freed up to work on tasks they really couldn't do.

Now I have children and I find it a constant battle to take the time to teach them daily tasks rather than just doing it myself. My own mother was great at this and she has taught Kyrie a number of household tasks. I have also realized that kids are interested in doing chores for a very short period of their life. I need to seize the day.

But what should I expect? Where should I start? I found some helpful tools on workingmom.com. This is an Age-Appropriate Task List. Evie can help pick up toys and she loves to put things in the garbage. (It is a good idea to check the garbage often to see what else she has put in there.) Kyrie loves anything with a spray bottle so I'm going to teach her to clean mirrors and glass this summer. Ben...Does not get thrilled about chores but he will work for rewards. So we will be working on adding to his responsibilities so he can earn more privileges.

This is the best Kid-Do List because it allows you to build it yourself based upon your child's tasks and give them a priority. I've used charts in the past but they all had chores that weren't relevant (feed the cat, etc...) and were just in the way. And you can email it to your older kids.

On to summer chores.

Ben's project

Ben found this recipe in a magazine and had to try it. He took an apple (you can use a melon) and used toothpicks to attach grapes and then poked holes in the sides and attached little carrot stick oars.
Note: temporary tattoo on cheek

Ten Minutes for Kids - Gum Drop Structures

One thing that has helped me produce more in the same amount of time is taking time to do something educational with my kids each day. That little bit of time seems to help them enjoy their free play time a whole lot better (and even ask for it). I spend about an hour in the afternoons with Ben reading, playing games, and doing educational things. But in the morning I do an activity with each of them (or both when possible).

I should probably add that I hate hate hate crafts. I will not touch felt boards, and when I find an activity (or curriculum) that has a million songs, stories, and crafts that accompany every little thing I collapse in an exhausted heap on the floor.

These are easy quick things I do. I will share one from time to time and would love your ideas.

So today Ben made: Gum Drop Structures

You need toothpicks and gum drops (or mini-marshmallows)

I put him at the kids' table and told him to make something. He was off, and now has an elaborate structure. Kyri sat nearby eating gum drops but Ben ate none. He was too involved in making them. We'll do this again when he's older and focus on spherical shapes.