Family Cooperation

Part of being a mother is seeing opportunities to help a child learn. It’s part of a woman’s intuition. We are natural nurturers. We want to help things grow. 

As children come along in a family a mother loses her ability to help her children grow in all the areas she sees. It can be very frustrating and overwhelming. What is she to do? 

Look for angels! 

Our spouses, mothers, neighbors, and friends can be angels in our time of need, and so can our very own children!  Are there things they can do to extend our hands and be learning at the same time? 

Here is a list of things that children can do to bring a spirit of love and cooperation into the home:

*set the table with easy-to-reach silverware when young and progressively add elements as they mature

*clear the table 

*wash dishes

*prepare peanut butter sandwiches, cut bananas for cereal, make popcorn, microwave scrambled eggs, and additional new entrees and snacks each year to add to their repertoire.

*have a seat assignment next to a sibling in the car or at church to keep a sibling occupied or quiet. Sometimes a small child can help a big child, too! 

*read to each other

*listen to a younger siblings pray 

*teach a sibling to ride a bike, skate, jump rope, shoot baskets 

*help with a science project 

*paint with a sibling

*play piano duets

*get a sibling dressed, tie shoes, comb hair, or wash a face

*work on homework with siblings at the kitchen table 

*be partners in Saturday jobs

*make a card or gift for someone 

*teach/play a game with a sibling

These types of activities are actually a secret ingredient to a close family. Learning to serve one another starts at a very young age! It is heart-warming and worth every effort!