Little Jobs For Little Lands

Little JOBS for LITTLE Hands

Fostering Independence, self-reliance and dignity through play

1. Play

“Play is the child’s work”. The mother (or teacher) can make “Work the child’s play”.

Play is natural and fundamental to the child. Thus it is also through play that the mother/educator/care-giver can foster the development of independence, self-reliance and dignity-the essential facets of character. In the child’s mind there is no difference between ‘work’ and ‘play’. Children see what we consider ‘work’ to be ‘play’. It is this wonderful quality that can be manipulated by the mother into giving the child little jobs which in turn leads to the development of her character. The mother’s technique of getting children to do things for themselves is initially to create the sense of play. It then is ‘play’ and not ‘work’. Later on it will become a habit with him-we hope!

2. Keep it simple

The child, like an adult, glories in conquest. So the keynote is to give him tasks he is able to perform. Assess his physical and mental limits before giving him little jobs.

“Now let’s see if you can put both your shoes side by side here. This is your shoes’ bed. This is where they will rest when you take them off. So they must come here every time you take them off.” Then the shoes and the task take on an aura of magic.

3. He should not get bored.

The child’s nature is to move on once he has mastered a task. Once he does the simple ones with ease, involve him in more challenging tasks. He gets a tremendous sense of self-esteem once he ‘delivers the goods’ asked of him. This in turn leads to confidence and self-respect.

4. There should be a caring adult nearby while he does a task.

This is important in the beginning. He then comes to understand that the adult considers him an important companion and this give him self-confidence and pride in being part of a team. He can also get help over difficulties.

5. Praise him lavishly for his achievements.

A child thrives on praise-genuine praise. By the time he is at school he is becoming more astute and may sense insincerity. Point out specific aspects that he has done well and lead him into improving the less praise-worthy one. Never condemn outright any work done by the child-it will only stunt his desire to do it again. Assess is gently and lead him into better patterns of work. It is natural for a child to want to please the adult. The adult should appreciate that.

6. Be specific

When giving him tasks do not be vague or general. Instructions and requests should be clear and in simple language. It is little use saying: “help me clean this place.” Give instructions one at a time. A little later, give him two together. For instance, “please put these clothes in the wash-basket. After you have done that, put away all toys in the box.” The child is then able to do exactly what is expected to him.

7. Give him small responsibilities by the time he is four or five.

“I need you to help me. Can you see that all these shoes are arranged in a neat line?” There is a game in everything. “Daddy likes his shoes to be first. So could you arrange all his first because they are the biggest! They look good that way, don’t they?” The silent lesson in spatial and numerical development are invaluable. He can be given the responsibility of looking after his own things. He can put away his shoes, his toys, his books.

He can help out at mealtimes and family functions. “What can I do?” The wail is actually begging Play! He can do the simple jobs: Put out the plates and cutlery, put away the newspapers, arrange the shoes out of sight. As long as you have the patience to let the job be a little lopsided, junior will be happy doing chores. Children love sorting and arranging jobs. Once a week he can be asked to sort and arrange the cutlery drawer.

8. By the way of this Play, how all those motor, sensory, problem-solving, creative and other faculties are being developed! What starts out as a game for the child will become the Game of Life in his adulthood. Perhaps he will bring to his ‘Work’ the same sense of ‘Play’ challenging, intriguing, and interesting. If he does, there goes a happy human being and Mother’s work would have been done!