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Mommy's Little Helpers

By Diana McKeon Charkalis


When it was time to clean the windows, Amy Walker's six-year-old son, Richard, begged to use the spray bottle. At first, the Sanibel Island, Florida-based Walker resisted. She didn't want him to accidentally get a face full of chemicals. But then his enthusiasm sparked an idea: "I filled an old bottle with water so he could help me finish up," she says. "He had so much fun, I began to recruit his help on more and more chores. Jump to full text of this article here.

By Diana McKeon Charkalis

When it was time to clean the windows, Amy Walker's six-year-old son, Richard, begged to use the spray bottle. At first, the Sanibel Island, Florida-based Walker resisted. She didn't want him to accidentally get a face full of chemicals. But then his enthusiasm sparked an idea: "I filled an old bottle with water so he could help me finish up," she says. "He had so much fun, I began to recruit his help on more and more chores. Now he does all kinds of chores!"

Raising kids who pitch in around the house helps them as much as it helps you. Kids who are expected to do their fair share tend to develop a sense of accomplishment and pride. They also learn how to handle responsibility. And, when kids don't help out, it can lead to resentment and exhaustion for Mom and Dad -- which is no fun.
Jump to full text of this article here.