This weekend I let my son water the flowers. Not a big deal, I know. But it drives me nuts when the walk is soaking wet and we track it into the house. Or when he waters the weeds or giant bushes that don’t need water. So dumb, but it’s a thing (tell me you have a ‘thing’ too?) But this time I sat aside and looked at his precious face, and he happily watered away, thrilled and honored to be helping with a job that mattered.
I gave him a job that had to be done and was actually helpful, and he felt it sink deep into his little giant heart.
This holiday season, let your kids help for real — give them jobs that matter. Let them sign the Christmas cards, cutout the cookie dough, set the Thanksgiving table, hang the breakable ornaments on the tree. Will it take longer? Maybe. Will it be worth it? Absolutely. They will feel your trust and give you the gift of their imperfection and love.
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This post is part of my 31 Days to a Less-Stress Holiday Season series. Make sure to subscribe via email and follow this Pinterest board (it will have each post + graphic as they go live) so you don’t miss a single post!
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You are such a good mom, friend! Love that you let him help water the flowers.m
I don’t like when my toddlers are in the kitchen helping me, but I also love it at the same time. But having them help me during the Christmas season is my favorite time of all. Good idea!