Simple activities that give your child a sense of responsibility can improve your child’s self esteem. Ask yourself “what can my child do at his /her age to help in the home”? One activity that many children are capable of doing, even small children, is setting the table.

• Start by getting your child to help you set the table


• Together count the number of people for the meal and then count together all the cutlery needed


• For older children show the child where the items go and allow her/him to do the next place setting and so on praising the effort made


• For you children you could count all the knives and forks together and allow him/her to place the forks on the table and you place the knives. This way you are taking a gradual approach giving your child the best chance for success and the chance to offer genuine praise for a job well done. Have fun!

Frances Byatt-Smith RN RHV BA Psychology

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