Many of us want our children to grow up taking responsibility for their actions and do more for themselves so that they have the skills for later life. We start by getting them to get dressed on their own and brush their teeth when they are little but what about when they are older. An older child (6 years +) is capable of getting their own breakfast and putting the bowl and spoon in the dishwasher afterwards but how much more can we ask them to do. We could get them to:

Help with meal preparation

Lay and clear the table after meals

Tidy their room

Help out with cleaning the house

Look after any pets the family has

Make their own pack lunch

What do you encourage your children to do for themselves because you know they can and how do you see the benefits?