SanTan
“An award-winning publication” A publication of the
FAMILY FUN
PAGES 2-3
SanTan Family Fun Calendar
PAGES 6-7 Reading readiness
PAGE 8 Just 4 Kids Sponsored by
City of Chandler Recreation Division
Resources Books
“The Chore Solution: Making Families Better by Working Together” by Jason J. and Ann Cowan
“Teaching Your
Children Responsibility” by Richard and Linda Eyre
“A Child’s Book of Responsibilities: Developing Self-reliance through Guided Tasks”
by Marjorie R. Nelsen and Sue Dreamer
“Parenting With Love and Logic: Teaching Children Responsibility” by Foster W. Cline and Jim Fay
“Parent Talk: How to Talk to Your Children in Language That Builds Self-Esteem and Encourages Responsibility” by Chick Moorman
Websites
www.life.familyeducation.com/ allowance/jobs-and-chores
www.education.com
www.childcare.about.com/od/ generaladvice/a/kidchores
www.parenting-ed.org/html/html/ chores
Classes
Becoming a Love and Logic Parent – Ruth Lucas at 480-466-4609 or
www.lucasseminars.com.
The idea of having regular chores might seem like a nuisance to children, but assigning age-appropriate tasks to even young family members is one of the best ways parents can boost kids’ self-esteem and help them become more independent. Allowing them to participate in household jobs also reinforces the notion that children are part of the family “team” with something valuable to contribute. “It is important for all family members to have responsibilities of upkeep in the home,” says Ruth Lucas, also known as “The Child Whisperer,” who offers classes and seminars on child development in the SanTan Sun area. “Completing tasks builds self-confidence and work ethic, but most of all, it sends the powerful unstated message that parents trust children and believe they are capable.”
This process can begin in very early childhood with simple jobs like having toddlers pick up and put away their toys. Parents can make this a fun time of bonding by singing songs during the cleanup process or making a contest of how quickly the task can be completed.
July 2011
As kids grow older, they will have a positive attitude about household chores and can move on to jobs that help the entire family, like setting the table or taking out the trash. Then, doing chores is not seen as a burden, but part of a familiar routine that involves parents and children alike.
by Miriam Van Scott
“Responsibility is not something that is taught, it is something that is caught,” says Lucas. “Get started early; the earlier the better. The ages of industry, when kids get the biggest kick out of doing things, are 3 to 4 years old. Get them learning how to do all kinds of things around the house during these ages.”
expectations for children and whatever they do to help out is extra and deserves compensation. “Children should never be paid to do their chores,” Lucas advises. “They are supposed to expect to be contributing members of society as adults. How are we helping them learn to do that if we are bribing them to be contributing members of the family? Wise parents know it is never a good idea to reward children for doing what they are supposed to do.”
That’s not to say parents shouldn’t give their kids an allowance. Learning to manage money is an important skill for children to develop. But the funds should be freely given rather than tied to work requirements or with conditions attached.
“During each age group, the gauge should be enough to afford them something small like a sweet treat, but not enough for an age-appropriate toy. Depending on the maturity of the child, you can begin allowance as early as 3 or 4 years of age.”
istockphoto.com
BRIBERY? An allowance for children should be primarily for learning to manage money, says “The Child Whisperer” Ruth Lucas, not tied to doing chores or as a bribe.
To pay or not to pay Some parents consider giving children an allowance in exchange for completing regular chores, but Lucas says this can be counterproductive. Offering cash incentives for work sends the message that there are no household maintenance
To supplement this, parents can offer children the option to earn more money by completing specific tasks that go above and beyond their regular duties. This not only helps them learn about money management, it also teaches a valuable life lesson about setting goals and working to achieve them.
“It is useful and handy to have a list on the side of the fridge for odd jobs around the home that anyone would love to avoid and
See Chores Page 5
NiNitty
grigrittty of chichildren chor
chores
en,,
What’s Inside
Expanded to
8 pages!
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76