(MOBILE, Ala.) - Wouldn't it be a great Valentine's Day gift from your kids if they cleaned the entire house for you? It may be a little far fetched, but it can happen.
"As soon as a kid can understand you, understand commands, they need to be given responsibility, something as simple as picking up a toy putting a toy away, before you move into something else," said Dr. Cathy Huettemann.
Huettemann said it begins with good habits. The earlier a child is taught to pick up after themselves, the easier it just becomes part of their daily routine.
As a mother of four and working at a very busy pediatric practice, Dr. Huettemann said she has to have cooperation from the whole family to help with the housework. And it helps even more that her husband is very involved.
"He is the first to grab a a laundry basket. He loves to cook, so he's in the kitchen and the kids see everyone pitching in and they're like everyone does something."
Huettemann also suggests giving kids rewards, something as simple as making housework a game. She said kids are more eager to help in the house when they know they will be praised for it.
"It's a game, quick quick before we do this. If you fuss and yell, then the are going to resist you and fuss back."
