Life Skills

I was sick this week and my house still ran smoothly.  I am so thankful that I have been teaching my girls life skills since they were toddlers.  Krista and Nicole ran the house very smoothly with only a few re-directions from me. The laundry got done, the dishes got done, the meals were cooked (with help from Dan), the house stayed clean, the pets were taken care of, the garbage was taken out and the groceries were put away when they arrived.  I wonder how many homes would come to a complete halt if mom got sick for a week?  I believe that our children can do so much more than we give them credit for, and they feel like they are an important part of the team when they are given chores and held accountable to do them.  This to many in our society is outrageous, but what is the long term goal you are looking for in your child?  Do you want your 18 year old to be successfully living on their own or do you want them living with you and depending on you until they get married?  If you would like them to be successful & self-sufficient and are not sure where to start I recommend the book "Life Skills for Kids" by Christine Field and "How Much is Enough" a book about overindulgence by Jean Illsley Clark.