As parents we want the best for our kids and for them to grow to be the best versions of themselves. A good education is also important but this is not just limited to the classroom. There are so many learning opportunities within the family home that get overlooked as we are so time poor, we are overwhelmed by our list of things to do and we are simply just exhausted. If it’s ever suggested that the kids could help, you may often hear yourself think or even say, “It’s quicker if I just do it myself”, and “I’ll just have to redo it all anyway”.
To be empowered is to be ‘given the power to do something.’
Empowering your child to take on positively enforced roles and responsibilities within the home is so powerful in more ways than one. Empowered children (and adults for that matter) will grow to be more confident, develop better decision-making and problem-solving skills, feel motivated, energised, capable, valued, have a sense of responsibility, work better in a team and be more determined to succeed. What better outcomes could you want for your child?
So, as parents, how do we empower our kids in the best way possible?
Get Organised
Organisation is key in a busy household. It will reduce stress and overwhelm, create better healthy habits, increase productivity, save you money, allow more quality family time and set a good example for your kids. If this feels like a challenge, keep this in mind, “You need to make time to create time”. It may start with hiring a Professional Organiser to get you started and find solutions that work for you.
Work as a Team
A word you will hear me say a lot in our home and in homes of the families that I work with is, ‘Team’. Perfectly put as Together Everyone Achieves More! Yes, this means allowing your children to be involved in helping around the house. And where appropriate, let your kids take control! You set the boundaries then let them make the choices within those limits.
Involve the Kids
My kids love to help put clothes in the washing machine and press the buttons with me. Yes, I could just do it and its done, but firstly, listen. They are asking if they can help. That extra minute got me so much further than just ‘throwing a load on’. I am able to connect, communicate, bond, mentor, teach and empower my child to work with me and as a team. It’s that connection, attention and quality time that they crave and what we desire. Unfortunately, opportunities like this are missed in the busyness of our schedules.
Mirror Skills and Positive Behaviours
We need to ‘Mirror’ skills and behaviours. Cooking a meal together and showing them some simple tricks and techniques can do so much for them. Depending on their age and developmental capabilities, allowing the kids to be involved and ‘working with you’ and as a ‘team’ is empowering for you as a parent too. Don’t forget to have fun!
Encourage and reward
‘Encouragement’ is another empowering factor that we need to practice more. The language that we use and the challenges that we present our kids have great effects on their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
The Right Tools for The Job
If your vacuum cleaner doesn’t suck properly then you are unlikely to want to use it. If your pantry is disorganised, you are less inspired to create amazing meals. If you don’t have effective storage systems then where are we meant to put all of our ‘stuff’?
So, with all of that in mind, what jobs could you delegate and get your kids involved with, what are the right tools for the job and what are some activities that you can empower your kids to be organised with? Here are a few examples:
Arts and Crafts station
Lunch Boxes and Bags
Toy Storage
Laundry
In Conclusion
When you are modelling positive organisational skills and habits within your home, you are showing your kids that you are an empowered parent. With simple systems and routines in place, your kids will follow along and practice these skills with your guidance and empower them to be more organised with skills that will last a lifetime.