Reply to "My child is so mature and so independant for her age..."

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Reply to ""My child is so mature and so independant for her age...""

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][Quote]
wow, you are really misguided. Yes, its great when a little kids says "I did it!" but you should want them to say that in relation to do things that are appropriate for their age like completeing a hard puzzle or reading their first book or throwing a good pitch.  Those are the things to do to build confidence and self-esteem with young kids.  [/quote]

I don't think it's misguided at all.  There's a lot of research that shows kids build self-esteem and connectivity with caregivers better when they are mastering "real" tasks.  Sometimes that is play, but kids are very interested in what adults are doing amd including them in those tasks is a great way to bond and a great self-esteem exercise.

For those who object to kids being "forced" to do "adult" things (and my kids love helping around the house because they like being included in the lives of the grownups) at what age is it magically age-appropriate for kids to learn to wash dishes instead of play with a water table?  Or prepare real food instead of play with a tea set?  I really don't see how it's great parenting to sit and teach my child how to braid Barbie's hair but I'm robbing them of childhood if I teach them how to brush their own hair.  As long as the child is having fun, I don't see the harm in letting my kids master skills that will actually be useful.  At what age are kids allowed to be productive human beings?[/quote]

I wish my parents had taken this approach. I came from immigrant parents who associated all chores as drudgery that poor parents had to hoist upon their kids because they worked multiple jobs. They grew up that way and wanted a so-called "better life" for me, which meant no chores, no after-school job, etc. I understand and appreciate the sentiment, but I grew up not lifting a finger, not learning any household skills, and thinking that my parents were basically there to serve my every need. I would have appreciated learning skills and family traditions from them and participating more in the household. [/quote]

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