She is always on top of things—keeping everyone on schedule, making sure the family is well fed and has everything they need, keeping the house beautiful, kissing boo-boos, never failing to pack the snacks, celebrating the good times, working through the difficult times, and, as if by magic, constantly nurturing her family to the very best of her ability.
However, though she may seem superhuman to her family, sometimes even Mom feels sick.
When what Mom needs most is rest, hot liquids, and the reassurance that the whole operation isn’t crumbling while she recuperates, therein lies an opportunity for the children, led ideally by Dad, to take on more responsibility and practice compassion and understanding. It’s also an opportunity for Mom to practice accepting help and resting.
Clearly if children are very young, Mom will need the help of another adult—whether that be Dad or another family member or friend. The older the kids are, the more responsibility they can shoulder. For example, they might take extra care to clean up after themselves as they go about their day. They might bring Mom a cup of tea or a bowl of soup. They might put on a load of laundry or unload the dishwasher. They might make sweet cards for Mom wishing her to get well soon. They might do their best to keep the house quiet so Mom can get some sleep. They might even make dinner.
Whenever challenge befalls a family, the value and importance of family become ever clearer. Teaching children to step up and shoulder responsibility in the face of challenges strengthens character and sets a high standard for their own future families.
Similar lessons can be capitalized on when a neighbor is in need, when a friend is going through a tough time, when a community member is struggling, or when a distant relative could use a helping hand. Sometimes parents don’t think about or even avoid asking of their children, but in so doing, they are being robbed of opportunities to shoulder responsibility, contribute to their family or community, and put their compassion into action.
Helping out when Mom feels sick, like most life lessons, begins at home. An overall celebration of stepping up to the plate and handling what needs to be handled around the house is a good strategy for raising responsible kids. When parents see their children take out the garbage without being asked or cleaning up their toys of their own volition, that’s a great time to lavish praise upon that act. Teaching children to roll up their sleeves and help whenever possible will also teach them to look for opportunities to help and consider the needs of others.
So, while nobody ever wants to see Mom feel sick, when she does, families can answer the call and step in to help out, carrying life lessons far beyond Mom’s recovery.
