As simple as it sounds

Ezra learning how to brush his teeth.

As simple as it sounds, there are basic life skills we all need to learn how to do. Of course, this may vary culturally and geographically, but ultimately we have to learn personal responsibility. By separating children from the vary act of living while they're learning, we are doing a disservice to their education.

Consider this: how many public schools have time for flossing and brushing teeth after lunch? How many public schools allow children to help make their lunch? How many public schools encourage children to take an active role in cleaning or gardening or other necessary chores? How many public schools integrate daily living practices with the child's education?

Perhaps some public (and private) schools can tackle these challenges; however, a majority do not. Instead of seeing meal preparation or cleaning or other life routines as someone else's job, it's important for every member of a learning community to realize their personal responsibility in helping out. Neither messes nor meals nor memories are made alone - there is a process to each of them that requires more than ourselves for positive results. How important that children learn this as part of their education!

An Internet search will reveal myriad sources for knowing appropriate tasks well-suited to a child's age. But, common sense and observation will help with this - consider a child's dexterity, attention span, and cognitive development. A routine can be very useful to encouraging good living habits. For example, cleaning up after a meal is a great transition to play time or a learning activity or reading before a nap. Working together with a smile always helps. When children see that what they are doing will help Mommy or Daddy do something fun with them afterwards, they are more prone to help, too. Or, consider a treat for the family if you work on a task (particularly an unpleasant one) together. 

Another helpful tip: let the child choose the task to complete. Some life events cannot be delegated: brushing and flossing will eventually fall solely on the child for him or herself, for example. Other life events can be shared: cleaning dishes or laundry, setting and clearing the table for mealtimes, etc. There are a plethora of resources from lists to charts to apps that can help assign weekly and monthly chores - rotating to create a fair slate of tasks for each individual in the family. But, the most important thing to remember is to make it fun and to do it together.