A lot of children grow up in homes where they learn to put their needs and desires before others. The primary source of this problem is often parents who spoil, neglect and/or ignore them. Some of these children even go on to have poor social and basic life survival skills knowledge as adults because they were rarely if ever taught the value of helping others. To make certain that your children grow up with healthy, well-rounded attitudes and the critical skills that they need, start out with these four tips.
Begin When They’re Young
Exposure to various environments and lessons in a child’s early years helps build the foundation of their beliefs. Teach your children to be helpful by example: Use the words “please” and “help” when making requests and always thank them after they’re done. When your children are nearby and watching your actions, make certain that you show yourself responding positively to requests for help from others and volunteering your help often.
Make a Chore Schedule
Chores teach children that people work hard to create safe, warm, happier lives. Laundry isn’t done by magical gnomes. A fairy godmother doesn’t make breakfast. Not everyone has enough money to afford servants. Constantly reminding your children verbally that you take care of and provide for them can cause resentment. Instead, turn tasks like folding clothes and washing dishes into fun games when they’re toddlers. As your children grow older, transition them into taking over these tasks with a schedule by explaining that their assistance not only helps you or your partner in positive ways, but that they’re also learning to become self-sufficient and schedule-management skills that can prove useful in academic and work scenarios.
Teach Teens Plumbing Basics
When a child feels like you trust them with important tasks, they’re more likely to offer to help perform those tasks in the future. Teaching your children plumbing repair basics also prepares them for handling plumbing maintenance and emergency issues on their own. For example, teach them the names of basic plumbing tools and accessories and how to turn the water on/off at the toilet and main lines. Also, show them how to clean drains, sinks, toilets and showers, clear drain and toilet clogs, replace a shower head or gasket, install water filters, reseal pipes, and repair toilet tank valve problems.
Participate in Elder Projects
Many children have youthful, energetic parents. As a result, some of these children believe that they don’t need to offer their help around the house because they fail to realize that their parents can tire out and need help as they age. Signing your children up for volunteer projects where they assist the elderly can open their eyes up to the limitations of the human body and help them appreciate you and your partner more than ever before. In the future, you might find that these lessons make your children less likely to ignore any strain that you’re under and more likely to do their chores without argument and offer their help on a regular basis.
Each of these steps won’t necessarily turn your children into adults who choose to help out their loved ones and others all of the time. The desired outcome is a balanced approach to life. These steps help your children learn the attitudes and skills that make them self-sufficient, caring and considerate adults.