31 Simple Solutions :: Baby Steps

Once upon a time I did everything for my children.

And then I started to get way overwhelmed.

So I decided to help my children become independent in certain ways.

Their independence means less dependence on me! Because, let’s face it, Moms have a LOT to do!

Now, I’m not talking big things here, folks. My kids are 6, 4, and {almost} 2. I’m talking little things.

But I think it’s good for my kids to learn how to do certain things on their own.

The biggest, bestest thing I did was give them a drawer in the kitchen full of their plates, cups, and bowls – where they can reach them.

They can set their own places at the table.
They can get themselves a drink of water.
They can get a bowl for a snack.
They can help empty the dishwasher.

I love having their dishes where they can reach them! It works out so well for them and for me!

I know it probably sounds ridiculous, but enabling them in this way really helps me! And it’s good for them too!

Looking for more ideas?

Here are a few other simple things that my children have now been liberated to do {okay, so I’m not referring to Miss M with these! She’s still young. }:

• Put away their own clean laundry.
• Collect all the dirty laundry and bring it to the laundry room on Monday.
• Empty the dishwasher of anything they can reach: pots, pans, tupperware, etc. {Nolan and I do breakable stuff.}
• Get themselves dressed in the morning. If they come out and don’t match, I send them back and make a suggestion of what would match. We’ll see how this goes with a girl!
• Get their own jammies on at night. I fold their jammies in sets – with the pants and shirts together – so all the have to do is grab a set and get dressed.
• Help set the table.
• Put their own dishes in the dishwasher.
• Bring the milk and rice milk {different kids drink different things} to the table at meals.
• Help get out all the food, plates and utensils for lunch and help put it all away. If I’m making PB&J they know that they are responsible for getting out the plates, knife, bread, peanut butter, and jelly.  Mommy’s job is to make all the sandwiches. And then they put the food away.
• Have a set of work clothes and know to put them on when it’s time to work.

These are such simple things, and you’ve probably already thought of them yourself!  But they make life so much easier and give the kids a sense of responsibility, independence, pride, and teamwork.

It’s not that I don’t want my kids to need me. I want to be their Mommy. I want to be there to meet their needs. But we are a family and a family works together to get things done!

And still…my favorite revelation was putting their dishes in a drawer they could reach. No more, “Mommy, I’m thirsty, can you get me a cup?” Ahh…simple solution that’s a win-win for everyone.

Got any great tips for me on how you help your child become more independent?