Exploring Our Children’s Potentials

When there is more than one child in the family, as parents we naturally wish our children all get along well with each other.

The reality is however, it most likely does NOT happen naturally.

Well of course there are children who really care for their siblings lovingly and out of their own initiative, but most other kids do have this tendency to care for their own self-interest.

I will help out … but if I have something else that I want to do, I wish someone else helps out instead.

I will accompany my little sister … only when I feel like it.

I will share my favourite toys … when I don’t feel like playing with them anymore.

…
Do they always do it willingly? Hmm…nope!Anyway.

One of the things that we try to nurture amongst our 3 kids is : the habit of taking care of each other.

Specifically towards their littlest sister, I do for example give responsibilities to the two older ones, tasks where they have to look after the littlest.

eg. I ask the two older ones to help her out whenever she can’t do something (instead of me coming to her rescue)

Like, pouring some milk to a glass for Brie to drink, or preparing some toast for her to eat.

Or, I sometimes (okay, quite often) ask the older ones to get Brie to nap in the afternoon.

Now.

Do they always do it willingly?

Do they instantly become responsible members of the family?

Hmm…nope!

=)

Like everything else in life, a habit to care for each other in the family takes time and lots and lots of practice (not to mention, patience and consistency from the parents).

And you know what? Now that Brie is 3.5yo, I do hear less and less ‘complaints’ (resistance) from the two older ones whenever I ask them to do something for her.

*Phew…Thank God!*

It is nice to see them caring for their little sister.

And, whenever they help each other in completing different tasks, it means there’s more time for me to do other things too.

PS: As much as it is such a rewarding feeling for me when I see positive progress in the kids’ behaviour towards each other, I’m sure when the older ones manage to accomplish something (eg. Brie eventually falls asleep in Anya’s arms), it does feel rewarding for them too! =)

Any other tips that work in your family?