GOAL SLOGAN: EVERYBODY WINS IF WE ALL PULL OUR WEIGHT
SOME THINGS TO THINK ABOUT
The questions below are designed to help you think about how you can help from home with the skills development programme your child is taking part in.
- As parents, we need to be clear about what our child can do on his own and what he cannot. What are the limits we place on ourselves to avoid burdening him with things we know will only lead to arguments and conflict?
- How do we express our gratitude for the help he gives to all family members when he performs a certain task or duty? How do we explain to him that the reason for doing the task is not the prize but to demonstrate his love for the family?
HOW CAN WE HELP?
The suggestions below show when personal parental involvement is necessary. The aim of the subjects proposed is to demonstrate where you might be able to support your child and help him to work on developing this month’s skill.
- It may be helpful to use a reminder of some kind with respect to his duties at home.
- Talking at key times is a way of helping. Close conversations at important moments reap benefits for everyone. Ironing or cooking is not the same if you have company.
- Ask him to do small tasks together in everyday activities. When we tell a child how to make an omelette or prepare a sandwich, we are enabling teamwork, e.g. “Let’s make a sandwich. Bring me some tomatoes from the fridge, and I’ll get the cheese… what have I forgotten? – The bread, dad”.
- When shopping give him a job to do, e.g. “Let me know if you see a pharmacy”, (at the grocer’s) “Go find me a pair of good-sized lemons.”
