Nov. 3, 2006 - Diligence
I am one of those moms that has a hard time delegating jobs to other members of our family. I tend to want to TRY to do it all. I make breakfast and lunch for everybody right through their teen years, do their laundry and keep up most of the house chores, aside from someone occasionally taking the trash out for me. On the weekends my husband does it all so I can have a break, and he does not do well delegating jobs either. 
I always mean to have the kids help me more or teach them to do more for themselves, but I get lazy and I do it myself because it is just faster and usually less mess if I do it myself. My mom always told me, "If you want it done right, do it yourself." And of course my way is the only way to do it correctly. 
I've been working more with letting the kids do what I have showed them alone instead of still wanting to do it with them to head off any potential disasters. Maybe the need to rest as much as possible with this baby will help me do that. The most strenuous thing I've been doing is coming downstairs in the morning.
I am happy to report that I am learning to let go and have others help me. My two teenage daughters have always been helpful, but I am mostly talking about our younger children. They are at an age where they actually want to do chores. They think they are fun, 
so why not use it to my advantage?
They have been sweeping, setting the table, loading and unloading the dishwasher, cleaning their own bathroom, bringing their own laundry to the laundry room, and getting their own snacks. My two oldest have been making meals, changing diapers, playing with the younger kids, doing laundry and a ton of other things. I can't believe for the first time in years all three hampers are EMPTY! Thank you, Caylin! My kitchen floor is spotless. Thank you, Crystal! I'm starting to wonder what I am really needed for.
So, here's what I am thinking ... when this baby is born I am going to hide it! I am going to hibernate in my room upstairs and let everyone think I still have about six months to go. 
I LIKE this delegating thing! I like seeing my kids be diligent! Why didn't anyone ever tell me it was SO cool not to have to do it all?! 
Comments
Nov. 3, 2006 - Happy National Housewife's Day
Posted by berrymorin
And Happy Sandwich Day.
Nov. 7, 2006 - There you go my friend!
Posted by GiffordBabyJournal
Isn't it amazing! I have the same problem. Letting them do things and learn. Now we have to let go and let them. God teaches us with everything doesn't He.
Christi
Nov. 8, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by laurie
I was pretty much a do-it-all-myself mom for many, many years. One of my daughters got after me, though, and told me that I needed to get the kids (I have 6) to help me. It took some prodding, but now I do more delegating. Surprise! No one hates me! They usually help gladly! If only I had known...
