- Set a specific time daily
- Set aside a day to cover these weekly
Start your school year with a 1 week refresher or training session with each child. for me, I do 1 hr. each day 2 X a week with a different child and we cover new skills at the beginning of each school year that they will maintain weekly throughout the year. This saves me having to follow them around the house later on in the year, because I can say, “Remember when I taught you to use the yellow rag to shine the faucet?
Here are some ideas to get you started:
Cooking skills: making a lunch meal, using an oven, using a microwave, washing dishes, measuring
Cleaning house: folding laundry, sorting laundry, bathroom skills such as cleaning sinks, mirrors and toilets, using a broom or mop, vacuuming, wiping counters, wiping cabinets, dusting, washing windows
Sewing: threading and using a needle, sewing a button, using a sewing machine to mend pants
Gardening: planting a seed, watering a garden, cutting plants, pulling weeds
Lawn maintenance: using a rake, bagging leaves, hedge clipping, using a lawn mower or edger
Enjoy your time with your children as you teach them these life skills. They will appreciate a happy and helpful mom!
Written by Brenda, classical eclectic mother of 5. You can find her blogging at Tie That Binds Us regularly about family traditions and her homeschooling journey.
No related posts.
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Couldn't agree more! I had no idea how to cook or clean when I left home and I'm STILL struggling with it 21 years later. Teach them early and teach them well.
I agree! We are creating a work ethic when we require simply chores. We are also fostering a sense of accomplishment in physical tasks, not just "book work". Character and discipline are things that will carry on with your children for a lifetime.
Sure is…I have known people (guys) who did not know how to work a washer machine!! Nope, my boys can sort the clothing, fold and put in their places among other household chores…
I have four boys, I will not let them grow up not knowing how to take care of themselves during the 'college years' and before the wife comes along—
Being homeschooled K-12, I learning the basics of running a household early on in my life. It's served me well and I'm often quick surprised at how many of my friends struggle to fix even basic meals or do laundry(I'm 21 btw). I'm often the one they call when they want to know something related to cooking and cleaning.
Very true! Teaching these skills is a part of teaching our kids to be productive. Good article.
I agree, my mom made sure my sister and I were self sufficient by the time we were about 13 or 14. I'm working with my kids (6 years old) to learn all of these necessary things. Great post!
When I moved out and got married (at 19), I had never done the laundry or ever cooked a meal. This is definitely something I want my kids to be able to do prior to that — that's for sure!
(Seriously — a week before my wedding, I watched my Mom do laundry and took notes.)
I was homeschooled through high school. One time a group of us were hanging out at a homeschooling friend's house and my good friend offered to do the dishes because she needed the home ec credit.
So, "Mom A" had to call "Mom B" and report the dishes had been done :)