A Good Way to Go

'What's Oupa doing?'

As soon as Oupa goes into the garden, or outside the house, this is Curly-Locks's question. He already knows that Oupa is likely to be 'doing', and, moreover, what Oupa is likely to be doing is what you might call 'meaningful work'. So, he might be digging, mowing the lawn, relaying some sunken paving stones (the latest, and most fascinating project) or moving leftover gravel to make a base for our garden-equipment box. This is good because recently a small skunk has tried to make its home under there.

If I'm busy inside I'm likely to be cooking, cleaning, or washing-up. Outside, at this time of year, planting seeds or hanging out laundry. When Oupa takes Curly Locks for a walk, they'll most likely go to see how our latest nearby road-construction is getting on. Later this will lead to play with the little boy's favourite toy:

All this is helpful for Curly-Locks to have going on around him. Why? Because it will help him be active in life in a good way. Plus, it will help him to enjoy life's simple pleasures, which is reward in itself.

A couple of days ago his dad posted a photo on facebook. It showed Curly-Locks in the kitchen of their new house. Kitchen reconstruction has been an ongoing project for the last couple of weeks, and now at last dad had installed the double sink (a desirable thing to have so you can rinse the soap off the cutlery, dishes and pans easily). Curly-Locks stands on a stool with a washing-up brush in his hand, busy with the dishes. But what's heartwarming and magical to see is the smile of delight on his glowing face.

I doubt you'd see anything like that expression if he were sitting at the computer ;-)

Children can be given simple tasks from quite an early age, say from two years old onward. Try to be alert as to what they might be able to do. At almost 2 and a half, Curly-Locks used to carry his china plate from the table to the dishwasher, and return his glass to the counter. "Did it!" he'd proclaim triumphantly. He was also able to peel a carrot using a peeler.

It's good if the kids struggle a bit. Don't jump in too quickly with help, and try to allow them to reach for an ability you may think is beyond them.

To sum up: look for 'helping' activities the small child may be able to do. Be aware that what you are doing will impact the child.

To repeat, when our children are grown, it will be important and advantageous to them if they can be men and women of initiative.

Email me:magicalmotherhood@rogers.com