By: Sere Neema
Posted on Monday, June 17, 2019
Household duties are a must in almost every Kenyan home. They are part and parcel of the upbringing of the child. It instills in them respect, discipline, independence among other core values of life.
According to life coach, Paul Thandi, in an interview at full Circle with Joyce Omondi, there should be a balance between chores and life skills. This way, the child not only does assigned tasks but also learns from them.
“chores… are activities that help the household and then there are life skills… skills you pertain in them, for them to survive”
Life skills through tasks
How well behaved is your child? Do they just do chores because you delegated? Or do they respond respectfully and maintain hygiene while at it?
It starts when they do not know what you are building around them. Chores without life skills is free labor…that is what we do not want.
Defining children by how much work they do
Life coach Paul Thandi is often puzzled by the sight of children unable to do the simplest of tasks. However, he does not condone giving them too much responsibilities.
It wears the children down, it overwhelms them and robs them of their childhood.
Life skills through extra-curricular activities
We all want our children to embrace their gifts and talents but how do we go about it?
Some parents unknowingly raise their children to live their dreams. That is, for example, taking children through art school because it was your passion but the opportunity then was unavailable.
Understand your children first. Then differentiate them from who you are. That way you are able to know what is best for them and not for you.
Paul Thandi gives an in-depth insight on children and chores, the reward that comes after and how values are nurtured through them.