The "jobs" are simple and I think appropriate for a 3.5 year old. Hsin-Hua feeds the cats, picks up their bowls and puts them in the sink when they are finished, she sets the table, and she wipes the placemats after dinner. If she does all her jobs each night she gets 3 quarters. 1 quarter goes in a jar that she can spend however she likes. 1 quarter goes in a jar to be saved. The last quarter goes in a jar to be spent in a way that makes someone other than her happy. This was our way of teaching charity to a 3 year old.
Last night on the drive home from school, Hsin-Hua told me that when we got home she needed to feed the cats and do her jobs. She said that then she could have her "monies" and put them in her jars.
I asked her if she knew what she wanted to do with the money she had to make other people happy.
Hsin: Yes, I want to buy a present.
Mommy: Who do you want to buy a present for?
Hsin: I want to buy a present for Joann (her teacher).
Mommy: I think that is an awesome idea. Do you think a present will make Joann happy.
Hsin: Yes. I think I want to buy her a book. Joann likes books. She can read it to all the kids.
Mommy: I think that is really nice Hsin-Hua and I think it will make Joann very happy.
Hsin: All the kids will sit on the rug and Joann will read the book. She will be super happy and it will be super fun.
My heart just melted. I thought I was planting the seed for a lesson she might actually understand in a few years, and here she goes understanding the importance of doing things for others for no reason other than to make them happy. I shouldn't be surprised! Even at her young age of 3, I see in Hsin-Hua a compassion and love and caring for others that I haven't seen in grown adults! She has the softest and kindest heart, and I know this will make her life very happy and very fulfilled.
I love that girl with all my heart and soul, and then some. Not quite sure what I did to deserve such an awesome kid. To say I am grateful is the understatement of the century!
4 comments:
love the flower you found for Hsin...looks beautiful!!!
You know I am a big believer in the chores. Hayden just told david this morning that it was HER job to pull the curtains back in our room.
Hayden helps fold towels and puts them away, feeds the dogs, scoops the litter and feeds the cat. She must stick her dirty clothes in the hamper and helps putting the plastic away from the dishwasher.
I think this is how you start the vested interest in your household!! H doesn't get allowance yet, but we do the share, save, and spend with monies she gets from gifts etc....
Yay Hsin I think your teacher will love a book!!
Beautiful spirt, and your words are perfect. What did we do to deserve this?
What a sweet girl! We need to start chores here :) And that flower is just adorable! I hope we can talk E into wearing bows/flowers soon.
What a sweetie with a big heart. Love the picture of her, btw.
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