GreedyGirl
Jun 5th, 2005, 12:38 AM
It has been quite awhile since I have visited you all here at RFD. We have some catching up to do. :) I stopped by today because I have put together a little tutorial I thought some of you may appreciate. I know most of us here at RedFlag are always looking for a bargain and I've found a great way to get some cheap labor around the house. So for those of you who would like the idea of never having to wash dishes, or clean floors again. Read on.
I have always known that I wanted to have children. Right from the beginning when my parents delegated my first chores to me, I understood that being responsible for the house cleaning was only a temporary annoyance. That one day I too would be able own... I mean give birth to my own little slaves... I mean precious gifts of life.
The wonderful day arrived almost 2 years ago now, on March 21st 2003. My daughter was born and as I looked into her eyes for the first time and thought to myself that it was only a matter of time and I would have someone to answer to my every beck and call.
Now I understand some of you may be thinking that a two year old can't be all that much help around the house, but I have discovered that the trick is starting them as young as possible. I've thrown together a quick tutorial for those of you with very young children so you to can reap the benefits of your own personal little helper.
Like I said the key is starting early. Dishes are a great chore to break them in with. The concept is easy for them to understand and most children as young as 9 months old or so will be fascinated by the bubbles. The only dilemma is that they are unable to reach the sink and possibly not even standing yet so as a solution you can have them bath themselves in the ajoining sink while washing the dishes. This kills two birds with one stone.
http://img291.echo.cx/img291/4205/fsra8hc.jpg
Once they have mastered this, and walking it is time to move them to some more light duties. Sweeping is a great stepping stone to more difficult tasks. They can use the broom handle to help support themselves cleaning the floors and steadying their new legs while learning to walk.
http://img174.exs.cx/img174/5858/swiffergirl3wp.jpg
From here they should be able to move onto slightly heavier equipment as they have been building up their strength and abilities at this point for approximately 12 months or so. Try giving your child something a little more awkward and see how they handle it all on there own. This for example worked great to improve my daughters strength and coordination.
http://img174.exs.cx/img174/3897/decemeber140023wj.jpg
Now of course there are some set backs to this training process. The most difficult one being a toddlers need for naps. If this is not rectified as soon as possible they will often nap where ever and when ever possible.
http://img189.exs.cx/img189/9558/ineedanap0mt.jpg
The best solution I have found to this is putting some coffee mocha in their sippy cups.
http://img189.exs.cx/img189/4862/snow0086vi.jpg
And finally if you are having trouble properly training your little one never under estimate the power of some good old fashion time in a cage...
http://img189.exs.cx/img189/9122/f10000155yq.jpg
I have recently started my son on the program as well he will be a year old in April. He seemed to have a real fascination for paper, so I've started him sorting the recycling. He hasn't really got the hang of it yet. But he'll learn.
http://img189.exs.cx/img189/1630/decemeber140172mw.jpg
*Disclaimer: The above is for comedic value only. I do not practice child labor and do not use a cage as a form of punishment. Please do not try this at home.
I have always known that I wanted to have children. Right from the beginning when my parents delegated my first chores to me, I understood that being responsible for the house cleaning was only a temporary annoyance. That one day I too would be able own... I mean give birth to my own little slaves... I mean precious gifts of life.
The wonderful day arrived almost 2 years ago now, on March 21st 2003. My daughter was born and as I looked into her eyes for the first time and thought to myself that it was only a matter of time and I would have someone to answer to my every beck and call.
Now I understand some of you may be thinking that a two year old can't be all that much help around the house, but I have discovered that the trick is starting them as young as possible. I've thrown together a quick tutorial for those of you with very young children so you to can reap the benefits of your own personal little helper.
Like I said the key is starting early. Dishes are a great chore to break them in with. The concept is easy for them to understand and most children as young as 9 months old or so will be fascinated by the bubbles. The only dilemma is that they are unable to reach the sink and possibly not even standing yet so as a solution you can have them bath themselves in the ajoining sink while washing the dishes. This kills two birds with one stone.
http://img291.echo.cx/img291/4205/fsra8hc.jpg
Once they have mastered this, and walking it is time to move them to some more light duties. Sweeping is a great stepping stone to more difficult tasks. They can use the broom handle to help support themselves cleaning the floors and steadying their new legs while learning to walk.
http://img174.exs.cx/img174/5858/swiffergirl3wp.jpg
From here they should be able to move onto slightly heavier equipment as they have been building up their strength and abilities at this point for approximately 12 months or so. Try giving your child something a little more awkward and see how they handle it all on there own. This for example worked great to improve my daughters strength and coordination.
http://img174.exs.cx/img174/3897/decemeber140023wj.jpg
Now of course there are some set backs to this training process. The most difficult one being a toddlers need for naps. If this is not rectified as soon as possible they will often nap where ever and when ever possible.
http://img189.exs.cx/img189/9558/ineedanap0mt.jpg
The best solution I have found to this is putting some coffee mocha in their sippy cups.
http://img189.exs.cx/img189/4862/snow0086vi.jpg
And finally if you are having trouble properly training your little one never under estimate the power of some good old fashion time in a cage...
http://img189.exs.cx/img189/9122/f10000155yq.jpg
I have recently started my son on the program as well he will be a year old in April. He seemed to have a real fascination for paper, so I've started him sorting the recycling. He hasn't really got the hang of it yet. But he'll learn.
http://img189.exs.cx/img189/1630/decemeber140172mw.jpg
*Disclaimer: The above is for comedic value only. I do not practice child labor and do not use a cage as a form of punishment. Please do not try this at home.