tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24014954.post3005064085893804052..comments2024-03-18T12:13:51.922-04:00Comments on Big Blueberry Eyes: I is for IndependenceMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02441176684416139172noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24014954.post-46434828236144504992015-10-13T09:40:39.253-04:002015-10-13T09:40:39.253-04:00No typical 12 year olds yet, but my 9 year old can...No typical 12 year olds yet, but my 9 year old can load, start, and unload the dishwasher, wash sheets and towels in the washing machine and switch to the dryer (that is the only setting I've taught her), make beds, use the microwave, make brownies from a mix without help (including use the oven), give her toddler brother a bath and shampoo, dress her brother, sweep the floor, vacuum the rugs, pack her own sports bags for soccer, swimming, and skiing (and suffer the consequences if she forgets something). She has a retainer and is responsible for cleaning/wearing/general care of it. She can comb out her own hair and put it in a messy pony tail. <br /><br />Some of my friends think I'm too easy on her, others think she does too much. Eh, I would note what makes sense to do next, work on that, and forget about the other things.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24014954.post-80221666319510034252015-10-12T21:04:53.647-04:002015-10-12T21:04:53.647-04:00Hmm, responsibilities. Julianna puts away her clot...Hmm, responsibilities. Julianna puts away her clothes, straightens and cleans her room (though it takes much prodding). Handles her homework independently. Cleans up poop in the backyard and cleans out the guinea pigs. Sets the table, loads and unloads the dishwasher and "cleans" the kitchen. Quotes because her standards are not mine. She takes laundry down to laundry room, can throw a resorted load in if I tell her what settings to use, and can switch to the dryer and fold most loads. She can strip her bed, wash the sheets and remake the bed. Clean the counter and toilet in the bathroom and sweep and vacuum. She can also dust a room if you're not too critical. Scoop the letterbox and feeds the guinea pigs each morning as one of her chores without reminder. She also is responsible for washing all her lunchbox containers. <br /><br />Hang in there. Be kind to yourself. You're doing the best you can and that's great. There's always going to be someone's kid who could live independently in a bomb shelter for six months. Who cares? You work on the skills you think she needs and that work for your family. If you want to stretch, stretch, but don't do it out of guilt that you're not doing enough.Mom24https://www.blogger.com/profile/00061152728345287775noreply@blogger.com