Cleaning House {Must Read}

February 10, 2015

Written by Marykate O’Malley, mother of three wonderful children, Gladwyne PA 

 

Did I ever tell you that books saved my life? Sounds dramatic but I can assure you, I am not the dramatic type. Just a girl who loves ideas, and understands when you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change. Maybe Cleaning House  wasn’t one that saved my life. However, it definitely changed it for the better.

I fundamentally believe that children should help around the house, and have responsibilities, so they can learn to be responsible, self sufficient adults. What I lacked was a road map to execute and carry it out. I have always told my children, when there is push back about responsibilities, my intention is to send fully functional, fully formed human beings out into the world. And yet we live in an age of entitlement, and where we as parents are told that we are supposed to do everything for our children – and protect them from ever facing disappointment or having to work – hard – for something. That is love, isn’t it? Except it isn’t. At it’s best, it is co-dependent. Let’s face it, the only way out of the nest is a gentle loving nudge. Because in doing so, we are sending the message, you are capable of flying. Hard work and responsibility says- you are capable, you are enough, you can handle this, and therefore you should.

 

 

Kay Wills Wyma takes us through the process of changing our households from having children with feelings of entitlement, to being responsible, and self sufficient. What I loved about her message is the basic truth that self esteem is tied to feeling needed, and necessary, and an integral part of the family unit. If you have no responsibilities, if no one needs you, your self esteem suffers.

Wyma takes us through her journey, the struggles, and ultimate victory with a lot of great advice along the way. Her book reads like you are listening to a good friend, as she weaves humor along with her sage advice. Thank you Kay Wills Wyma for being a thoughtful and practical voice towards growth and development. We as Mom’s can’t always be running interference. Our children are far too precious for that.

Link here to amazon – Cleaning House.

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Category: Random and Fun
Tags: children, cleaning, cleaning house, entitlement, household tips, mommy blog, parenting, teens |