The other morning, I noticed a baby sparrow at the feeder, enjoying an easy bite to eat. Soon its parent flew in to the feast and interestingly, the baby began to flutter its wings and cheep. Mom (or Dad) hopped over and began to feed this demanding child.
I watched as Mom would grab a few bites and transfer the meal over to her offspring, who before Mom arrived, was having no trouble feeding himself. While Mom had her back turned, filling up her beak, baby was again pecking at the millet. As soon as Mom was there, Baby was helpless again, chirping and fluttering those wings, "Feed me! Feed Me!"
It made me question, am I still doing things for my children that they could be doing themselves?
I've decided to delegate supper preparations. During the week, there are 3 nights I have to work away from home. Two of the those the boys will be responsible for having supper ready when Dad gets home and on one night, they can do boys' night take out.
So starting yesterday, I told DS13 he was expected to cook supper. I told him he could choose to make anything he wanted. He chose his favorite meal, crumbly meat, (browned hamburger), and mac and cheese. Dad thought the meal was excellent, and I was happy they enjoyed this meal while I was at work. It wasn't something I'd be particularity fond of.
Tonight DS10 is making burger bites with circle fries. I will help him pre-cook the mini patties before I leave for work, which he can reheat in the pan as dad arrives home. He's already practiced taking the cookie sheet out from the hot oven, so this will really come down to time management.
I see this arrangement working out very well. My menfolk can enjoy meals I would rather pass on, the boys learn life skills, DH can relax once he arrives home, and the pressure is off of me when it comes to deciding what to make for supper 3 nights a week. The trick to making this work is allowing them to choose what it is they want to eat and me accepting the "B" list nutritional value of these meals.
6 comments:
lol all sounds good
I don't know what I would do sometimes without my helpers in the kitchen. It already isn't my most fave place, but they seem to like it.
I like watching birdies alot, in the winter I have been known to spend a lot of time doing so.
Great idea! They will certainly learn much needed skills. My boys (step-sons) tell me now that they are so glad I made them learn how to do laundry, iron and cook.... they didn't like it much in the beginning, but tell a different story today! LOL Of course, they were both past 16, working part time, going to school, and never home when supper was ready - rooms not picked up when I did laundry, etc.
Sounds like a great idea to me.
Sounds like a fantastic idea, I think sometimes we forget how big our kids are growing up and how much they can do when asked.
I was just watching an episode of the Duggars and they are helping another family add on to their house, almost every child is expected to work (except for the very little ones). And I can say those kids do know more than my kids about home construction and remodeling. It is also a great way to show people how homeschooling does work in positive ways
YAYYYYY ! Someone else who watches the Duggars !!!
I love em., and couldn't agree more !
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