Assigning Chores

Washing, folding, raking . . . common chores are a drag, but completing them can prove a rewarding experience when your family works together. Use these tips to set up a system.

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    •    Select age-appropriate tasks. A 2-year-old can carry napkins to the dinner table. Fours can wipe clean the windows.
    

    •    Teach chores in steps. It helps kids understand what they’re doing—and why.

    •    Schedule thoughtfully. Kids may be cranky right after school. Try timing their tasks for after they’ve rested and had a snack or first thing on a weekend morning.

    •    Acknowledge effort. Instead of focusing on a perfect outcome, focus on the process. Note and admire the progress as you go.

Listening and Following Directions
Listening and following directions are important skills that span several areas of child development. See where these skills come into play and how you can work on them with your child.

When Your Child is Always Competing for Attention: Between Teacher & Parent
Ways to deal with a child who is always competing for attention. Understanding the cause. What you can do to build the child's self esteem and teach him to cooperate with others.

When Siblings Are Compared at School
Having the same teacher as an older sibling did may create problems. Being compared to a sibling can put pressure on a student. Learn to solve the problems and reap the benefits of siblings in school.