Letting Your Kids Help You Workby Kori Rodley Irons | More from this Blogger 07 Jan 2007 11:38 AM Working with kids definitely isn't for everyone, but it can be one way to cope with trying to work at home with kids under foot. Depending on the age of your children and the type of work you do, they may actually learn to be helpful and take on some work tasks. They'll feel a sense of accomplishment and esteem as the help out with "real work" and you may be able to be more productive without feeling distracted. Some jobs just seem to be perfect for kids to help with--even rather small children can help with sorting recycling, opening mail, dusting shelves, helping arrange inventory and cleaning the work space. As my kids got older, they liked helping with mailings--stuffing envelopes, putting on labels, etc. Some children have very well developed small motor skills and hand-eye coordination so they can help with the smaller tasks like folding mailings or brochures. If you are often trying to work with kids underfoot, it might be worth your time to set aside specific tasks that are always "theirs." These should be tasks that are not time-sensitive (like sorting the recycling, emptying the trash, refilling the stapler, etc.). You can even set aside a special area that is their "work space" or have a basket where you put their tasks so they can find their "work" without your having to invent it each time they come looking for something to do. I've found the key to letting kids help with work and business is to give them real tasks that they can help with and accomplish with relative autonomy. Of course, part of the fun of the connection is that we are still working "together" and side-by-side projects are ideal. But the fact that they are contributing and doing something real builds self-esteem and competence. I've also never had tasks where I depended on my kids to accomplish them, or made them work--it then becomes another platform for a typical power struggle. Instead, working with Mom has been something they could do if they wanted to help. Learn more about Kori Rodley Irons  Bio has been removed by administrator Relevanthome business tags User Comments  Linda Hansen (1796) 07 Jan 2007 05:27 PMKori, you have some great ideas! I am a firm believer in teamwork around the house. We all live here, we should all do our share. Making kids feel needed in any area of the house is an esteem booster. Good article. Artcraft Community Tags home business, Kids, work Discuss this article
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