When I first became a mother I am embarrassed to say , but I never realized how hard motherhood would be. I don't really remember being taught somethings I just knew how to do them . Thanks to my amazing mother.
It is amazing what we take for granted.
I started working on life skills with my daughter years ago. First it was basic hygiene, then it was dressing and seasonal dressing, then getting her own snacks and water. As she got a little older we worked locking and unlocking the front and back doors, and calling 911 if there was an emergency ( remembering to define what an emergency is ). Last year we started working on some basic financial literary skills which included earning an allowance. Lol she has figured out that spending mom and dads money works best for her.
I assigned her some basic chores as a way to earn her allowance. Things like helping me fold and put away clothes, wiping the counters and putting a new bag in the bathroom trash can . I am a germ fanatic, so I would remove the old bag for her! Well I quickly learned that she has no idea how to actually do any of these things! She is super smart I just assumed she would know to do these things . Light bulb 💡 If she has never been taught then how would she know??? So we started with one chore at a time. I learned the importance of step by step instructions as she was learning to fold clothes.
We all know what they say about assuming!
I recently had surgery ( hysterectomy joy joy ) and I explained that I would need a little extra help around the house for a few week. My husband career requires travels, and sometimes it is just us. Dishes in my sink drive me crazy . I asked her to wash a few plastic cups and a few forks and spoons for me and she did. The next day I grabbed a spoon and it had dried food on it .Then I grabbed a cup with the reminiscence of milk . Light bulb 😳 I realized that I had failed to teach her how to properly wash dishes. LUCKILY, I had some help with this life skill !!! She ( MY DAUGHTER) started attending a life skill class over the summer, and as fate would have it washing dishes was the next skill to be taught. Her coach used step by step instructions to teach the skill which is something she likes.
I first thanked her for helping and apologized that I did not give her all of the information to she needed!
I told her that that I appreciated her help with keeping things tidy, and that I needed to be a better teacher.
We talked about why having clean dishes was important and reviewed the step she learned from her life skills class.
The steps ......
1. Get your rag or sponge
2. Put a squirt of dish soap on your rag or sponge
3. Rub on the dish until all the food is gone
4. Rinse the dish well , if you see bubbles, there is still soap on the dish
5. Dry the dish and set it in the drainer or dish rack
6. Never put dishes away wet it may result in bacteria growth
Washing dishes also helps improve fine motor skills...
What are the added benefits of washing dishes ?
Washing dishes improves fine motor skills by strengthening a person's grip, it improves (in my opinion) the pincher grip, and helps with hand eye coordination . Gripping the dish makes the hand stronger, and using a rag or sponge helps with hand - eye coordination.
Every child is different. In our situation, breaking down the steps of the task was positive because my daughter likes routines. Every new thing she learns gives me an opportunity to praise her ! I do my best to praise her for any and all accomplishment. It a great way to motivate her and it builds confidence.