"As society gradually shakes off the remnants of barbarism... a truer estimate is formed o woman's duties, and of the measure of intellect requisite for the proper discharge of them. Let any man of sense and discernment become the member of a large household, in which a well-educated and pious woman is endeavoring systematically to discharge her multiform duties; let him fully comprehend all her cares, difficulties, and perplexities, and it is probable he would coincide in the opinion that no statesman, at the head of a nation's affairs, had more frequent calls for wisdom, firmness, tact, discrimination, prudence, and versatility of talent, than such a woman!" Words and wisdom from Harriet Beecher Stowe, all of which we should follow!
Teach your child step-by-step how to do whatever job you ask of him or her. Don't assume that the task will be completely learned by watching. Show, teach, train..and keep your sanity!
Once you've given your child certain definite jobs with clear-cut responsibilities, let him or her work without constant supervision. Check the result when he or she finishes a chore and make sure to compliment him or her.
Clearly define the time of day when a child's job is to be completed-either before school, right after school, or by dinner time. Don't let tasks hang over into the evening..If you give an inch the child will take a mile!
On weekends, make up a list of chores and negotiate assignments over a leisurely breakfast...make this positive..don't be a drill commander! Break a big job down into steps and be sure the kids' ages and abilities are equal to their assignments. Don't show favortism if you have more than one child.
This is very important. Don't redo a chore that a child has just completed. If you insist that a task be done only your way, then do it and be done with it! Redoing is destructive to a child's self esteem. Just think back to a time when someone redid something you had just completed..how did you feel?
Very good and they say to major on the right they do and minor on the wrongs. Praise goes a long way with children!
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