Little Miss Responsible
When Scarlett was three, she started doing little chores. Okay, okay, by chores I mean... Wipe the bathroom floor with a diaper-wipe to earn a coloring book, kind of stuff. Unnecessary little tasks to teach her about working for wants. I try to only buy my kids gifts for birthdays and Christmas. With Scarlett having a December birthday, that can leave for a pretty sparse rest-of-the-year of new entertainment. We started a sticker chart for things she wants (within reason). But now, I'm trying to teach her that being a part of a family comes with responsibilities that aren't always rewarded. This is a little tough for a four-year-old brain to grasp, but she's doing pretty well! I'm not trying to toot my own horn about being a great work-ethic-teaching-mom or anything. Scott and I just grew up in families where we had to pitch in and that's important to us in raising our own little family. Sometimes I can feel my face stretch in all kinds of ridiculous directions as I try not to make my "frustrated face" while having Scarlett help out. Oh if you could only see the dramatic fake cheesing face I'm talking about. All family and close friends know the one... But really, it usually takes about five times longer than if I just did it myself. It's a real patience teacher for me. ;) So far she's "mastered" unloading all the kid dishes, folding towels and her laundry, dusting, rinsing dishes and wiping bathroom floors with baby wipes! ;) But yesterday she helped me with the sweetest task of all, one I didn't even have to explain to her. And she did it completely on her own, without being asked. I was making her and I breakfast when she climbed up on a chair to feed Welles his food. She carefully spooned each bite and did an airplane flying it into his mouth. Then she wiped away all of the excess food on his face (which was about as much as what actually went in). So happy my camera was in reach. My eyes filled and my heart exploded. Since he was born, I've always hoped and prayed that she will be my helper with Welles as Scott and I get older. I hope that she has that love and desire on her own. It's a pretty big task to ask of a child and I never want her to do it begrudgingly or because of pressure. Time and time again, she reassures me without even knowing it. The love is clearly there and I hope with that and her work ethic, she'll be up for checking in on him and helping out when she can. Scott and I won't be around forever and we have no reason not to think Welles will be in good health and live a full life. He's so lucky to have her for a big sister. This girl is learning and growing so much lately. I'm already so proud of her.
Inspirational Nursery Rhymes. Now these books are darling and have been a great tool with teaching my girl. Welles loves to read them with us, too. They do a beautiful job of teaching about how to be responsible from a young age, loving yourself and being thankful. All of these lessons are so important and I love how simple they keep it. Perfect for littles. Our favorites are the "Responsibility" and "Giving Thanks" books.
