Red Gloves – Empowering Little Ones!

So my oldest son received a pair of shiny, red cleaning gloves as a gift the other day! (from a very wise lady that we know).

Who knew getting shiny, red, cleaning gloves for my 4 year old son and spending 15 minutes teaching him how to clean the toilet would pay-off for weeks to come?! He asks everyday if he can clean the toilet and I let him! It might just be a phase but I will take it! (I hear it doesn’t last long!!)

And it doesn’t stop at the toilet! He has now learned how to do the sinks, help with washing dishes and floors!! (And more!) Those gloves have worked miracles! I learned from this wise lady that instead of assuming that children won’t be interested or capable we need to embrace their ‘want’ to help, their need to do it themselves and allow them (when they can) to contribute to daily routines.

I will admit it does take more time to teach and supervise them versus just doing it on my own – but the pay-off is HUGE! Young children love to be empowered and feel successful!!

He has also always loved helping cook – but of course I always just do it myself because it’s quicker.  I used to do everything but NOW he helps when he can – he spreads his own jam on his toast, helps make simple meals like pita pizzas and scrambled eggs, and of course helps with baking treats. (I even made him a hat!)

I will admit there are days and moments when I do just do it myself because we are in a hurry or he’s not feeling up to it but most days he wants to do it himself.

So if all it takes is a red pair of cleaning gloves and 15 minutes of my time to see my son feel like a contributor in our house – it’s worth it in my opinion! (And thanks to that very wise lady who reminded me that as Moms we don’t have to do it ALL on our own!)

What do you do to empower your children?

~Dominique

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