No Need To Wait Thirteen More Years For This One......

....because she gets it!!

From the time we even think of parenting a child, we are warned, "The payoffs come when they're about twenty five and they look back and tell you that you were right and that you did well." 

Our kids are far from twenty five.  Very far.  But last night I had a glimpse into what those moments will look and feel like.

Valerie and Kevin finished their last day of school yesterday and came home to help me straighten up the house.  They are such AWESOME helpers around the house.  When we came home I pointed out how the house looked as though a bomb had gone off since we had been running in and out/to and fro from one holiday event to another.  I asked if they would help me pull it together so that we could surprise Dad when he arrived home after work.  "Sure."  "Yea, I'll help."  They are almost always so quick to help when asked.

Within thirty minutes, with the clutter put away, floors swept, and dishes under control the house looked sparkling again.  For their efforts I had them call friends to come and spend the evening with us.  It wasn't much longer before Zach and Kenzie showed up to play.

I had prepared a big meal for dinner and we shared it with our friends.  On a side note, those two kiddos can eat!!  I loved having good eaters in the house to enjoy my meatloaf.  But I've digressed.  After dinner Scott, Zach, and Kevin took off for basketball practice.  As we normally do, I asked the girls to help by cleaning up the table.

The kids know that when they clean off the table they are to put everything away, wipe down, and then it's typically my job to load the dishwasher and wipe off the counter nearest the sink.  While we were working together Kenzie commented about the chores that she has at home.  I don't remember what she said, only that it was about her chores.  And THIS is what came out of my daughter's mouth:  "We don't do chores at our house." 

Kenzie:  "You don't?"  All the while the girls are working together; putting drinks away, brining dishes to the sink, putting leftovers in containers and in the frig., wiping down the table and sweeping. 

Valerie:  "No, we've never had chores." 

Kenzie:  "You're lucky, Valerie!!" 

And then the music to my ears.  Valerie said, "Yea, we are lucky.  We help with what needs done around the house, but we all always work together to take care of our house, but we don't do chores."

All of that and she's only twelve. 

Thanks, God and thank you, Bear!!

 

Comments

[Lorin]

That is an awesome story! Talk about a sense of family community :) Do you ever get any push-back? I have some systems for my kids (three boys, 6,8,11), and they do have certain "chores." They are great kids and they are pretty responsible, but it doesn't come as naturally as what you just described (yet!) :D How old are they? You must be very proud!

[Granpa]

Because they are being raised right, they think the right way.