October 12 – Training Children Ages 0 through 9
October 12th, 2009
In our Timeline for Training Series, we break things down further and explore how to help kids under 9 master Self Skills and Life Skills. What do you think you will learn about yourselves and your children?
If you’d like your kids to take over the jobs of getting up in the morning, getting dressed, packing their own backpacks, remembering homework, sports equipment and library books — all without any help from you, join us on Monday October 12th, 2009 on www.momtv.com/yourfamily.html
Or watch the Part I, II, and III of the episode below:
Part I
Part II
Part III
Have a few questions you would like us to answer? Post them in the comments below.
Download a Tip Sheet to help you get started.
Posted in MomTV
I am confused about the gray area between training and focusing on the positive. If I am not commenting on the not-perfect aspects of how my child is performing chores and tasks, how do I steer them toward performing these jobs correctly?
Great Question and one that comes up often.
Think of training in terms of small bites. Here is what I mean…
The task is “cleaning the kitchen”
1. What does the child think a clean kitchen means.
2. Start there
3. Now bring awareness to 2 parts of the kitchen they missed – for instance wiping down counters and sinks
4. Show the child how to do it once and let them practice
5. Ask if they would be willing to do that
6. Give them 5, 10,or 30 days to incorporate that new piece into the idea of a “clean kitchen”
7. As soon as they master it, add another part – maybe washing, drying and putting away dishes or washing pots and pans or sweeping the floor
8. Keep adding on
9. Appreciate their willingness to do the job – NOT that they did it correctly, or that the kitchen is clean. For instance: I really appreciate you cleaning the kitchen this morning. I was feeling a little stressed and just seeing the clean kitchen helped me relax a little – or something like that – This is true for me. A clean house leaves me feeling more relaxed and centered. My kids would believe me if I said this. So find something that is true for you.
Your last statement gives me a clue to what might be tripping you up so here is your assignment – What does “correctly” mean and who gets to decide? It is true that it is technically your house because you pay the bills, but if you want your children to FEEL like it is their HOME, you may have to reframe the whole idea of things being done “correctly” or to your standards.
Let me know if you want me to say more about this or if I answered your question sufficiently.
Vicki