Thursday, February 9, 2012

learning my place

I've started asking the boys to clear their places after meals. They put their milk in the fridge and take their plates and utensils to the sink. I had been doing it all for them because, frankly, it's quicker and easier. But I want my children to learn to be responsible and this seemed like a good place to start.   
It has been going pretty smoothly so I was surprised the other day when Jem hopped down and walked away from the table, leaving his plate and fork sitting there. I called out to him, "Hey buddy. Come get your plate please and take it to the sink." He didn't even bother to turn around. He just said, "I don't think I will Mommy. That's your job."
How do you explain to a four-year old that clearing his dinner plate is not your job, especially when your job does include taking care of the house? He sees me picking up and cleaning all of the time. (Yes, Sam. I said all of the time.) So naturally he assumes that it is my job to do it. And I also know that some people would be in complete agreeance with Jem. After all, I am a stay-at-home mom. What else do I have to do with my time?
But here's the problem. I wasn't born with a love of cleaning and taking care of others. Many times, often on a daily basis, I have to ignore the voice that tells me I deserve more recognition for what I do. I am still learning what it means to serve others and, more often than not, I do a poor job. I struggle to find the balance between serving my family and teaching them responsibility. It's something that I am still working out for myself and that I will continue to work at.
 However, there are two things that I don't need to work out. One is that my son will clean his dinner plate and the other is that he will not be allowed to disrespect or demean my "job". And to Jem's future wife I say, "You're welcome."

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