My dd will be 8 next month. Except for the occassional drama queen episode or bickering with her brother she is the sweetest little thing ever. Her teachers have all always told me how she always offer to help with things and she always wants to help with certain jobs around the house. Sometimes I feel like she does too much for herself if that makes sense. She wants to wash her own hair so I was teaching how last night. Then she asked me if she could have an alarm clock so she could get herself up for school. She started packing her own lunch.I don't know, it makes me feel bad. I can't tell for sure if it's her personality or if she thinks I'm not taking good enough care of her. I told her she didn't need an alarm because I wake her up for school. My 4 yr old got up today while I was showering and she made breakfast for her. I'm not complaining,lol! She also likes to have certain things in a certain place and order and I'm pretty laid back. I've always accomodated her need for her things to be a certain way but I don't her her to obsess over that kind of stuff either. What do you think, is it just her way or do you think it's possible she thinks I'm a slacker?

By Texannie on Wednesday, May 14, 2008 - 11:53 am:

Your goal is to raise a child that grows up to be a self-sufficient adult. Sounds like you are doing a great job.

By Melanie on Wednesday, May 14, 2008 - 12:03 pm:

Ditto Ann 100%.

By Dawnk777 on Wednesday, May 14, 2008 - 12:11 pm:

I'd say she's on the right track in taking more responsibility for stuff.

By Rayelle on Wednesday, May 14, 2008 - 12:56 pm:

OK thanks! I was thinking back to when I was that age and it hurt my feelings if my mom didn't want my help." You can help by going to go play" is what she said. Unless I have been in a tight bind for time I've always let them help and she wants to the most. I guess it makes sense then she wants to do more. My mother never let me get up for school on my own, pack my own lunch or do laundry up to the day I moved out, even though I wanted to by high school. I don't know I just wanted to get some opinions if it was okay and she is very responsible. You just don't really hear of kids wanting more responsibility and it had me second guessing myself. Thanks! You made me feel better!

By Bobbie~moderatr on Thursday, May 15, 2008 - 12:34 am:

Oh Rayelle, you are doing just fine. It is likely that this is her personality type. She feels loved when things are done for her so she wants to make you feel loved by doing things for you. If this is the case, she is likely happiest when she knows she has done a job well, which could explain her being picky about the placement of things. Teaching her independence is a good thing, Rayelle.. You aren't shirking your responsibilities, you are raising a child that will be come a stronger/self reliant adult. Turn the "chores" she wants to do into quality time and I can tell you that you will be amazed with what you find out about your daughter.

When my girls were born Callie was 7. She was taking baths on her own at this point. I would go in and wash her hair. She decided about the age of 8 that she could manage on her own. We made a deal, she washed it and I checked to make sure it was rinsed well before she got out.

Ironically, I got my first alarm clock when I was 8. I turned around and bought all of my children alarm clocks around the age of 8. I had never thought about it until this post. Once we knew how to tell digital time we all were given our own clocks for our rooms. I also taught my kids how to set the alarms. They have been getting up to their own alarms for years. I just thought it was good conditioning for later in life, KWIM.

By Colette on Thursday, May 15, 2008 - 06:57 am:

I think it's cute. My youngest wanted an alarm clock then too. I gave her one, sometimes she uses it and sometimes she doesnt'. Sounds like she wants to really feel like she's helping mom out, not that she thinks you are a slacker. I would praise her for it and tell her what a great help she is to you.

By Dramamamma on Friday, May 16, 2008 - 09:23 am:

Sounds like you have done a wonderful job with her and have many reasons to be proud.