We've lived without a stay in domestic staff for about 3 years now. I had made that decision for many reasons, but one of them was because I needed the children to learn to be self-reliant. 

Hmm...I'm not even going to pretend this was an easy decision or an easier reality because apart from our busy family and private schedules, our son also runs a small juice business which requires that we produce between 40-60 bottles of organic fruit juice every week- all that peeling, cutting, squashing blending and bottling, phew...

Add that to my work, schoolwork and their skills acquisitions and programs with their coaches and mentors. Chai...

Luckily we had my niece who came in to live with us while preparing to get into university.

As she became a part of our system I observed how our son would tactically dodge certain chores (like doing the dishes and sweeping ) or nicely avoid them while chatting away with her as they worked.

I pointed this out a couple of times but noticed nothing changed. 

So, fast forward to sometime last year, my niece eventually left for school and then ...it was now just the kids and us again. 

Determined not to overwhelm me or anyone else, I updated their PEPs and we adjusted our routines; 

👉🏿 45mins- 1 hour daily chore which could happen fully or partly before or after school, I really don't sweat the when.

👉🏿 30 minutes breakfasts and lunch packing for school.

👉🏿 30 minutes Dinner preps.

👉🏿 2hours Saturday ( simple laundry and cleaning, cooking for the week, KayCee Juice Production)

👉🏿 1 hour Sunday to prepare for the week ( Iron and fold clothes)

👉🏿 A housekeeper comes in 3 times during the week for intense cleaning, laundry, and to run major errands.

Guess what, our son has gotten better with doing his chores and is getting more done now!

There's no one to hide behind and so he stays on task, never complaining and is currently working on speed and accuracy. 

When you mother is a PEP expert. Yes o, I create personalized education plans on the go for my kids and others, to help you get results working with children.

 Send us a chat on 08130621566 if you'd like us to help you .

Dear parent, 

♦ Do you know that child you are constantly "saving" and making excuses for can do more than you give him credit for?

♦ Do you know part of your duty as a parent is to prepare your child to take on anything ( including challenges) around him/her wherever in the world they find themselves and to ensure that they don't only survive but thrive?

Yop, your biggest job is to raise a man/woman who is a blessing to the world, not a liability.

One that can create, make informed decisions and take initiatives that proffer solutions to the world's problems and it starts by allowing them to self-direct today!

A child who can fulfil the PURPOSE for which they were created by the maker( God).

If you didn't know, now you know.😁

Marybeth Chima 

Educator & Parent Coach 

The MentorMum

Photo: When you know you were raised to stand tall.