Who Doesn’t Love a Good Parenting Hack?
We’re all just trying to do our best and raise good humans. This simple tip not only benefits your child(ren), but your entire household (and beyond)!
Want to minimize the toy clutter? Want to do better for the environment? The answer is deceptively simple. Literally right in front of your nose. What is it?
Involve children in everyday real life activities.
Multiple Benefits
There are SO many benefits to engaging children in real life activities. Here are some of the benefits:
- Builds Confidence
- Completing a task (and well) will boost your child’s confidence!
- Fosters Independence
- Your child can participate in daily activities independently!
- Eases the Workload (in the long run)
- Yes, initially it will probably take twice as long to complete a task, but in the future, your child will be able to contribute and ease the burden of the household chores.
- Teaches Important Life Skills
- Have you ever met someone who made it to college (or married life) without knowing how to do their laundry or boil a pot of water? I have.
- Quality Time Together
- Think of the laughs and conversations you and your child can share over these everyday tasks
- Less Toys
- When doing dishes and sweeping the floor is considered fun, who needs a playroom full of toys?
- Sensory Stimulation
- Why spend time setting up elaborate sensory bins when you can excite your child’s senses in everyday activities that need to be done anyways? Folding warm laundry, washing dishes with soap and water..you get the idea!
- Better for the Environment
- Buying fewer toys or materials for a sensory bin is good not only for your pocketbook, but the environment!
Some Example of Real Life Activities
So what are some real life activities you can do with your child(ren)? The age and maturity level will dictate what activities you can do and for how long, but here are some ideas to get you started:
Meal Prep and Clean Up:
- Washing fruits and vegetables
- Chopping fruits and vegetables
- Measuring ingredients
- Mixing ingredients
- Setting the table
- Loading/unloading the dishwasher
- Washing dishes
- Making Drinks (coffee, tea, etc.)
- Cooking meals
Laundry:
- Bringing clothes to laundry room
- Loading/Unloading clothes
- Folding clothes
- Putting clothes away
- Ironing
Cleaning:
- Dusting
- Vacuuming
- Washing windows
- Mopping
Gardening:
- Weeding
- Picking up sticks
- Raking
- Planting
- Watering
Other:
- Washing the Car
- Getting the mail
- Feed pets
Give it try! There may be a learning curve (for you and/or your child), but it will be worth it in the long run!
Related:
Connect with me on Instagram @modernmindfulmom or shoot me an e-mail with any comments, questions or concerns! I would love to hear from you!