Chores...Why?

Miss Addie has officially entered into the world of  "CHORES". She has her own, very small list of chores that she can do all by herself, and she does them well. She's always helped around the house. She loves to help. She'd rather clean than play. She'd rather help mommy wash dishes than watch a DVD. What's the difference? We are now defining them as chores. They are her responsibilities now, not just an activity here and there. They are tasks that we expect her to complete when needed....not perfectly, but we want her to try. Why the change? Keep scrolling down.... 

One of her chores includes, dividing up the silverware from the dishwasher, into the basket in the drawer. No worries...we take out the knives!

She also dries the bowls and cups out of the dishwasher, takes anything that can be recycled out to the recycling bin in the garage, puts her 10 "friends" from her bed into a drawer to help make up her bed in the morning, helps set the table for supper, and helps clean up the den/toys before bed.

 And yes, she did most of her chores today, as Sleeping Beauty. She's not the only one who was dressed up....

So, we're back to the question: WHY? Remember this book that I bought? Well, I absolutely LOVE IT. I highly recommend it. The author, Kim Brenneman, talks about the importance of little ones taking on responsibilities and chores, and how important it is to teach them early. In fact, she says, "Train them now to love work. Show them by your actions and attitude how to work properly. Work brings satisfaction. Work is serving God, and little ones learn this when they learn to do their first chores." She goes on to say, "Teach your children to do a job from start to finish, left to right, top to bottom, inside to outside." She quotes several times, Colossians 3:23: "Do your work unto the Lord". She stresses that "If you are working as unto the Lord, your children will notice your cheerful attitude!" Addie ENJOYS having responsibilities. She enjoys giving her work a name: chores. They are hers...she has the opportunity to succeed, just like the rest of us, in helping to keep our home in good order. She especially loves all of the praise we give her when her chores are complete. I believe what we do in our home, will continue in other places, such as preschool and playgroups. I want her to be helpful in cleaning up and offering a helpful hand. When I think of Colossians 3:23, cleaning the kitchen isn't all that bad. I want to work "unto the Lord" and I hope Addie will one day share that same desire!