Mommy's Little Helper

Isaac has become quite the helper lately. I read in one of my books that whatever your child sees you doing around the house, he'll want to do that too. That has definitely been true for Isaac.

Last week, he started pulling out the broom and dustpan so he could "sweep" in the kitchen and living room. He also learned how to help me put clothes in the dryer. He always likes to be right up next to me when I'm doing that, so I gave him a few clothes and said, "Here, Isaac. Will you put these clothes in the dryer for Mommy?" He was very happy to oblige.

He also has different "jobs" around the house. He helps me close the car door when we get home. Then I let him push the button to close the garage door before we come in the house. At bathtime, I sing, "Clean up, clean up, everybody clean up!" and he helps me put away his toys. When it's time for bed, it's Isaac's job to turn off the light.

Whenever I can, I look for opportunities to let him do things around the house. I think it's important for him to feel like he's making a contribution. It teaches good habits, work ethic, and responsibility. Of course at 15 months old, he doesn't fully comprehend all of that. But one day he will.

I can't wait to teach Isaac how to cook. A former coworker of Wes's told him, "Whatever you do, don't let Jennifer get him to bake cookies." I said, "If he likes to eat, then he needs to know how to cook." Grandma Jandovitz was that way with my dad. She taught him how to do everything - cook, clean, laundry, sew, etc. - because she wanted him to be able to take care of himself.

And that's my goal with Isaac. I want to "work myself out a job," so that Isaac can be fully independent one day. In my home growing up, there was no "woman's work" or "men's work." There was just work, and everyone pitched in to get it done. That's how I plan to train Isaac...and my future daughter-in-law will love me for it.