Go Get a Diaper

Go get a diaper!

Yep, you read that right.

Even though I currently only have one in diapers, Go get a diaper is another phrase you’ll hear frequently in our home.

This phrase is less about the words, though, and more about the idea behind the words.

Let me illustrate:
Often times, when I lay my one-and-a-half year old down to change his diaper, he’s resistant and doesn’t want his diaper changed. There are a variety of reasons he responds that way, of course, but I’ve found that if I include him in helping, changing his diaper is far easier!

“Go get a diaper,” I encourage him, and he smiles and runs to get the diaper — and the wipes and the changing mat! Not only that, but he lays down and is ready to be changed.

The same is true for my 3 year old. He might not want to take a bath initially, but if he knows that he gets to pour the bubbles in, he’s in the tub in a heartbeat.

I’ve found that in my home, if I include the children in the activity and give them a little responsibility, they rise to the occasion.

Kids want to be included; they want to be trusted.

For me, sometimes that means letting go of my expectations or being patient while they learn, but giving them responsibility provides me an opportunity to teach them about follow through, trustworthiness, and being dependable — even in something as little as diapers or bubbles.

Giving my kids responsibilities also gives them an opportunity to practice. And when they make mistakes, I have another oportunity to help them try again.

If you’re in a situation where you face continual resistance and pushback from your child, look for a way to include your child with some responsibility. I wonder what difference it could make.

Question for You: Have you ever experienced this concept with your kids? What responsibility did you give them?

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Flickr Photo Credit: Lori Ann