NANA SAYS LET CHILDREN DO SOME CHORES

Even very little children can have a job in the house. Putting their shoes neatly by the door and hanging their sweaters or jackets on their own hook. As children age, making their bed, putting their dishes in the sink or dishwasher. Little chores for little people. Big chores for big people. The sky is the limit as a house and grounds have so many tasks. So with spring the garden can incorporate the children. Give them a spot to plant something either pretty flowers or seeds for vegetables. The children can water and weed their little patch in the garden. Even sweeping the back porch or barbecue area to keep it clean of outdoor debris. Making children responsible for some of their lives is good learning. Then when they come to the workplace, colleagues will not have to say- your mother does not work here! On the larger outings for picnics or to parks, teach them to pick up any garbage in their area and not to litter! If you do not want someone to throw garbage on your lawn and property, then do not let little ones throw anything in the big world out there. Learning from a young age to be aware and responsible for their piece of the world is a good thing!

THE IDES OF FEBRUARY

Here we are at the 15th of the month. It seems halfway but actually with February it is past that mark. With Valentine's Day with all the flowers and chocolates over, there is little excitement about the days ahead. Perhaps that is the reason for so much depression this time of year.To find activities and fun can help keep the spirits going. Although the sun is returning to us with longer days, is it the darkness that brings darkness to our lives? Winter driving and commutes are longer which leaves less time at night to do those much needed chores. Times we are just tired, right? So are there things that you can do with less energy and effort? Reading? A game with the children? Organizing a drawer- each night do one? Sometimes just getting started with something small. Work can be strenuous with more sick calls from colleagues. Sometimes more mental health days than actual sick days so covering for those away brings stress. Oh the ides of February! The month in the middle of winter so it seems but actually much closer to Spring than realized. Get out and walk in the snow! Get back to a winter activity! Make a snowman with a child or a snow angel! Pretend you really like it and before you know it, a new season will arrive! Or you can still go to bed and pull the covers over your head and hope it all goes away!