Teaching Boys

I am a firm believer in teaching boys how to do "the womanly" jobs around the house. By this I mean cooking, cleaning, laundry, vaccuumming, ironing.

I have always shown my kids how to do these things as I feel that it will stand them in good stead

I make a habit, especially on the school holidays that one night a week each one has a turn at cooking. Even the youngest at 5, will have a turn this holidays. He made pizza at school from scratch, so this is what he will be making. He will have help of either his older brothers or myself of course, but it is his night to cook what he likes.

The menu can be as simple or elaborate as they like. The only thing is if they need something they have to tell me in advance so that I can go and buy it.

After I had an operation 2.5 years ago, I have been told that I am not to do any lifting. So therefore, the washing that was always fun to do, took on a whole new meaning for them. They had to be responsible for it, especially when I came home from hospital. These days, they have to carry the basket downstairs for me, and sometimes hang the washing out, but they help me out. I have even caught the 5yr old, putting the washing on after the basket was taken down and I was doing something else.

The big boys can iron (if they have to), and each one knows how to operate a vaccuum cleaner.

After saying all this, they can also repair their bikes, check the oil and water in the car, mow the lawn.

I certainly don't make them do all the housework every day (I would if I didn't feel so guilty). I just think it is important. Just as teaching girls how to do the "manly" jobs. I know that I was taught how to change the oil in the car and to change a fuse or a tyre etc. Dad also taught me to do things round the house.

So please don't get into the stereotypical girl job/ boy job. Teach our children to be well rounded human beings who don't have to depend on others for the little incidentals in life.

Cheers

Leisa