This Parenting Skill Teaches Self-Care to Kids

"Building Character Starts with Getting Your Kids To Talk."

Parenting Tips by Jean Tracy, MSS, for grades K-6:

Today's Parenting Skills Tip, an age-appropriate chore for kids from ages 5-6, is from our Chore Chart Kit. Today's chore can teach your child a sense of order and self care.

Have you ever seen a child whose hair is rarely combed? I remember teaching a child whose clothes were unmatched and dirty even though he had other clothes. Unfortunately, his classmates poked fun of him. At eight years of age he was old enough to comb his hair and pick out clean matching clothes.

Parenting Skills Tip for an Age-Appropriate Chore:

It may take some time in the beginning to teach your child self-care but it's worth it. By the age of five or six both boys and girls should be able to comb their hair and put on matching clothes. Many kids, when left to themselves, insist on wearing the clothes they choose. Sometimes their choices are strange.

Why not take some time during the day to lay out your child's clothes and teach him how to match styles and colors. It could be fun, especially if it isn't right before school when he is likely to fight you.

At another time teach your child to style his hair in front of the mirror. You could even take a before and after picture. Make it fun. Laugh. Ask your child's opinions too.

Age-Appropriate Chores Conclusion:

Once your child knows how to match his clothes and comb his hair, he'll feel a sense of pride, other kids won't poke fun at him, and he will be learning to take care of himself. All it takes is a little time. When your child looks combed and well matched be sure to praise him. You'll be building his character too.

How do you teach your child self-care? Let me know by emailing me at http://www.kidsdiscuss.com/contact.asp . When I receive your idea, I will send you a surprise.

Treat yourself to our Chore Chart Kit at http://www.kidsdiscuss.com/parent_resource_center.asp?pr_id=kd008 and discover how easy and fun it is to build your child's character with age-appropriate chores.

Jean Tracy, MSS publishes a Free Parenting Newsletter. Subscribe at http://www.KidsDiscuss.com and receive 80 fun activities to share with your kids.