Training our children

When I moved out of home for the first time I really had acquired very little skills in the way of homemaking. I knew how to cook exactly two meals and couldn't sew on a button to save my life. If you had asked me how to launder sheets I would have given you a blank stare. I cannot blame my mother for this, she worked full time and was probably just to exhausted to use her time and energy when it was faster just to do it herself.

Without knowing it I had adopted the same thinking with my own daughter, which is a common attitude to have in our society, not only that but I have heard time after time parents say to me that 'kids should be kids'. It was whilst I was reading a copy of Above Rubies that I realised what a huge disservice I was actually giving my daughter (aged seven). Without realising it I was teaching her qualities of selfishness and laziness as well as an attitude of dependence. When you give a child a chance to be a part of a family unit by contributing they thrive! It is so much easier to start earlier, comparing an enthusiastic toddler to a spoiled teenager it is not hard to guess which one is more likely to enjoy the task.

We started at this year with our first task as dusting, once that was a learned skill we advanced. I am now so proud to say that my darling daughter can now vacuum the house,clean the toilet and bathroom, cook very simple meals, fold the washing, wash and put away the dishes, mop the floor and of course dust. She can also make bread from start to finish and is now learning a passion for cross stitch and gardening. Of course she does not do all of these jobs everyday mostly two or three, but what a blessing it has become to the entire family. In my heart I rejoice knowing that when she leaves this house one day on the day of her wedding she will know how to faithfully serve and take care of her husband and children.

Today one of my rewards came in the form of praise, As my darling girl said to me ' You are the best Mummy in the world for teaching me all these things, no Mummy is better than you. You always teach me new things'. She really is truly grateful for learning these new skills and abilities. As I listened to her singing 'I'm cleaning this house for Jesus' as she folded the clothes I knew she was beginning to develop the blessed gift of a servants heart for our lord.