Monday, April 30, 2012

Solo

We've been trying (really trying) to help Gavin to be more independent. Helping him to learn how to make choices and live with consequences. Sometimes that's not an easy thing to do... after all, we just want what's best for our little people. The thing that's been toughest for me is letting them learn to make their own mistakes.

Gavin has a list of chores, that contribute to help our household run. His chores are physically easy, but necessary... sweeping the floor, feeding the dog, etc. But since all things in life are seldom clearly defined, we decided to change things up a bit and add a new one to the list... a chore that wasn't expected; making dinner one night in the week.

When we talked to Gavin, he chose Monday has his night to cook. He was excited all day long, thinking and planning his special meal. There was a lot of talk about what he knows how to make... and musing about what is out of his league. I was prepared for a dinner consisting of toast and cereal, with a side of microwaved left overs... but instead he asked for a little bit of help from Mom, to make tuna sandwiches with yogurt and apple slices on the side.

I pointed him in a few directions, and he ran with the instruction. Gavin asked questions and requested just a little help wrangling the can opener and using the oven.

The result was a tasty meal that didn't include cereal. A proud boy (and mama). A new skill learned. And a bonus for me... one less meal to prepare. I'd call that a success, any day.

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