Trying to get kids to do their chores can be stressful at times. However, kids helping out is an easy task they actually enjoy. Let me explain. I was recently with a group of kids and we were talking about the holidays and everyone being so busy. Their mommy was shopping, cleaning house and planning menus. Their daddy was working extra hard at the office so he can get more time off during the holidays. I asked them what they were doing. Their response varied as you can imagine.
I helped grandma get her Christmas decorations down from the attic.
I helped by putting new lightbulbs in our lamp post in the front yard.
I helped clean the carpet.
I helped daddy put the lights on the trees and scrubs in the front yard.
I helped decorate our Christmas tree.....and the list went on.
I asked them if someone asked them to do these things or did they do it on their own. Their unanimous response was they did it on their own. I asked why. They explained it made them feel responsible and respectful to other people.
I asked them on a scale of 1-10 (10 being the best) how do they feel when they help someone else. Their response was a big "10". I asked them if they only felt like helping other people during the holidays or do they feel that way most of the time. Their response was "most of the time"; however, I enjoy it more during the holidays because it is fun.
I asked them who they like to do things for the most. Their response was their teachers, family and animals. I asked them if they would help out a stranger. They all said "no". I asked "why not help out a stranger?" They explained their parents told them not to trust strangers because they may seem nice, but then turn around and kidnap you. I guess society has killed the Good Samaritan philosophy.
I asked what is the difference between doing chores around the house and helping other people when they need help. Their response was doing chores is something your parents make you do - helping other people is something I can do on my own without being told to do it.
I said "beside helping other people out because it makes you feel responsible and respectful and it is fun - why else would you choose to help other people?" Their response was "maybe they will help me out when I need help."
Even kids have figured out that helping other people when they need it is a good thing in our lives and makes everyone involved feel good about themselves.
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