17 July 2014

If You Could Give New Parents One Piece of Advice...


...what would it be?



My words of wisdom:

TEACH YOUR CHILDREN TO TIDY UP AFTER THEMSELVES

Seriously.

I don't care what you feed them, or how you feed them.

I don't care what time they go to bed, or whose bed they sleep in.

I don't care if you work inside the home, outside the home, or not at all.

I pass no judgement on your parenting.

BUT...

If I could offer new parents one piece of advice that will make their lives easier, and more pleasant in the long run, it would be to teach their children to tidy up after themselves.

Nobody told me that I should do this. They had plenty to say about birth, breastfeeding and sleeping, plenty to set me up to feel a failure as a new mother, but nothing that would improve my life.

I have failed at parenting. My house is tip. It is full-to-bursting. We can never find anything. The boys seem unable to play properly. Clothes are taken off and thrown on the floor. If I ask them to tidy, toys are kicked under the sofa. I despair.

So, new parents, save yourselves while there's still time.

Teach them to tidy.

I'M BEGGING YOU.

You'll thank me one day.

You're welcome.


Over to you. If you could give new parents once piece of advice, what would it be?




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6 comments:

  1. I wish other people wo0uld teach their kids to tidy up. I have banned one of the boys friends as he is a messy tyke who leaves a trail of destruction in his wake.

    I actually have given up on giving advice!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. @Jen, I still go on playdates with my two and end up following them around, tidying up after them.

      I think as they get older you realise that everyone is muddling through the best they can.

      Delete
  2. I am trying, it is the one lesson I never learnt...ever but i am even attempting to learn myself.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. @Sarah, leading by example is one way to do it...

      Delete
  3. Mine went to Montessori Nursery where they are taught this and it was wonderful whilst they were there. Fast forward to my now nine year old and he leaves a trail of where he was all day, together with the now five year old who copies him! I despair every moment of every day and feel the same about my house, my life. Good advice Mrs. My top tip would be to not worry so much.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. @Older Single Mum, I like your top tip very much.

      Delete

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