Work

Teaching abstract concepts to young children is a challenge. We spent a lot of time talking about "work" when the kids were a year and a half old. We talked about Daddy going to work, things Mommy does (taking care of them), and even the type of work they are expected to do.

 

As toddlers, most work is fun. They love doing art and we told them that is part of their work. They make the art and I hang it on the wall. If they weren't making the art our walls would be boring. We do stress they are not to decorate the wall, they are to make art and I will hang it on the wall.

 

Cleaning the garage door is also fun. When is the last time you clean your garage door from the 2ft level down? haha Using the spray bottles is also a great way to develop fine motor skills. This is also exciting when it's hot outside. I don't mind if they spray themselves or each other because it dries so quickly in the heat.

The kids help me cook a lot. Here we are mixing the dough for some whole wheat bread. The only annoying part was cleaning the floor before and after so we could do this cleanly!

Yes, this is a toy lawn mower, but he really wanted to do some work like Daddy and we are all about indulging when they want to work!

We had this conversation every morning. Sometimes with both kids. Sometimes with one of the other. Still, it was a ritual around here.

Kid: Bye Bye Dada
Dada: Bye Bye
<Dada leaves for work.>
Kid: Where Dada goin?
Me: Where is Dada going?
Kid: to work
Me: Why is he going to work?
Kid: make money
Me: What do we use the money for?
Kid: air-dish-nin (air-conditioning)

Then, and only then can we get on with our day.

 Here are the kids walking the dog.