Having your first child is a blessing. Having two children is a lot of fun. Having another one is a different story!
I’m not an expert, but as a mother of three girls, I have to admit that it is frequently overwhelming. I can’t advise you whether or not to have three children since there are too many factors to consider. But I’ve learned a lot of good-to-knows, especially when your hands are full and you need all the help you can get.
Being a stay-at-home mom allows me to give my family my complete attention. When you stay home with your children, you serve as their guide, teacher, and protector. You are the first person they are exposed to before they start school, and you are always teaching them something new. So, how do I encourage my children to participate in home chores?
1. Learn more about how young children learn.
Kids should be motivated, involved, and enthusiastic about their tasks. I took advantage of it when my children asked if they could help me with what I was doing. So, the next time, I could ask that they complete the task with or without assistance.
2. Children learn about everything and themselves through play.
While we want to teach them how to be responsible, we also want them to be involved in a way that is not too exhausting for them. My 2-year-old like setting the spoons and forks before meal times, and she enjoys asking where mommy’s plate is.
3. Encourage the kids by talking to them.
Understanding why they are learning something can also be helpful. They must also realize that everyone has a role to play at home and that mommy needs help as well.
4. Empathy.
The more we understand our child’s position, the less likely we will react negatively toward our child. Since most misunderstandings begin with miscommunication, pay close attention to what they say and how they say it. It affects our parenting styles and our relationships with our kids.
5. Take note of the child’s progress and encourage and reward them appropriately.
My three children all learn in different ways. Each child learns and improves differently. I began offering them age-appropriate activities and recognizing their small wins as early as two.
6. Lastly, be a role model.
It’s easier said than done, but every child’s parents are their ultimate heroes. They observe, learn, and replicate our behaviors. We should practice good behavior to encourage our children to do the same.
We should always keep in mind that every child is different. They develop differently, have unique personalities, possess individual strengths, and require different kinds of support, recognition, and reward. When they feel that they are being recognized, they would enjoy doing more tasks around the house.