Everything in life is about timing. There is always the right time, age, situation for certain actions in life. What every parent has to realize is that our small hearts are growing and no matter how much we would like to protect them from the harshness of this world, we cannot. It gets especially difficult when the kids are showing the signs of wanting to be independent. Often children are clumsy at this stage, often making mistakes which we adults find irritating at times like for example when we need to run to catch the train for school or work. We adults often don't think of the results of our words or actions and later in life we slap ourselves because our kids grew to be served instead of cooperating and being responsible for their food, school assignments or their things.

As a parent I don't expect my children to know how to do everything. I would like them to go at their own pace but sometimes its difficult, especially since they've started kindergarten and expectations have been brought upon them and us parents. My kids are sensitive beings. Showing authority over them does not always make them to listen to any of us. It just wounds them.

I noticed since some time ago that my kids like to be involved in baking and cooking so at times I let them join me. They have a lot of fun. It makes them feel important. I think the first person to really let them involve themselves in cooking is my brothers girlfriend which I am very thankful for.

Since my children changed their school from Utsiktens förskola in Nynäshamn to the current one, where they can speak both Swedish and English, my boys have become more independent. Aaron started making his own sandwiches and pouring drinks in the glass by himself. He can open the refrigerator as well (which is not so good at times ) . He learned to ride the escalator and knows more about the traffic rules like checking his right and left side of the road before walking through. But what I am super happy about is that they do not cry when I leave them over there. They are always cheerful when going to their new pre-school. Especially Austin is proud to wear his rubber boots and asks even during weekends if we are going to school.

Aaron learned to use toilet about 8 months ago which makes me happy. After few months its Austins turn. Beside all these ordinary tasks we will have many doctor visits. I suspect that my eldest has dyslexia or something related to that because he does not have a good memory and has difficulty to stay focused. Nevertheless, he is an intelligent kid that at times knows more than we adults do. I just want him and his brother to grow up safely into confident individuals.

So when it comes to household duties I think its fine to involve kids in small tasks such as carrying a lighter bag when we do shopping or cleaning after themselves. But I feel that the initiative should come from the child. I don't feel like enforcing anything into them will result in anything positive. As I said, everything is about right timing and kids have their own pace when it comes to their development and needs.

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