Mommy's Little Helper

If you've been reading some of my recent posts you'll know how much Natalia wants to copy my every move these days. She's my little shadow.

There are the conversations with her baby and stuffed animals in which she clearly is mimicking the things I say to her (which is really funny because she even has the intonation part down to a T!). The endless announcements that she's going shopping, purse slung over her shoulder, baby in arms, and shopping cart in tow--all with a cheery "See ya later, bye!" Bringing Pete and I cups of "strawberry tea" after dinner, because we usually do have something hot to drink to end our meal. (This is a plastic strawberry in a tea cup.) And whenever she is being "mama" to her baby doll, she's saying things like "Is dat better? Dood Dirl. No no no. I yuv you! Ok, here we go!"

And she always comes running when the dishwasher door opens up. At first I was always saying "No no" and "don't touch", when one day Pete wisely offered to help her put away the silverware. (Sharp things removed of course.) This has become her job now, and she does pretty well at getting things in the right spots!

Initially I had to take a step back and admit that my first thought was, "but I want it done right!" Then it dawned on me that this was because that served ME better. But what is going to serve her in the long run? Well, probably me taking the time to instruct her and giving her opportunities to practice. Yeah, eventually she'd learn where the silverware goes, but why not take advantage of her enthusiasm for it now?

Anyway, that got me thinking. How do all of you out there involve your kids (at all ages) in the day to day work of your household? What other things can I start to teach her in the next few years, besides putting her toys and the silverware away? I'd love it if you fill up my comment box with your suggestions!