There are lots of pretty thin lines you balance as a parent: being supportive without being stifling; providing structure and guidelines without being controlling; encouraging your kids to take risks while keeping them safe. Another of those lines we’ve been trying to find the balance on lately, especially with Keana (our oldest), is pushing them to do things for themselves without being unreasonable.
There are times when they’re excited and eager to do just about everything for themselves, and there are times when they feel like we’re slave drivers. They each have their least favorite tasks. Maia struggles with getting herself dressed on school days. Keana’s great about getting ready for school, but strongly dislikes cleaning up after herself. Aliya’s not so good about throwing away her trash. Just tonight, Sarah found 12 empty yogurt “bags” of hers stashed away in her bedroom. Yeah, pretty gross. Luckily, the “valve” on them kept things pretty contained.