This Week at the Forest Bus Stop

Children should help around the house so they can brag to their friends.

Little Fox: I did the laundry last night! I didn’t know I could do that!

Little Raccoon: I took care of the campers trash.

Story From the Trail

I surprised myself today and said yes when the kids wanted to rearrange their room. Normally they are told no mostly because it is easier for me to remember where everything goes if it doesn’t change. Working on transferring the ownership of the room to the kids means letting go of some control.

To get to the point I said yes they first drew a diagram of the new bedroom layout. Some details were missing and it wasn’t to scale but clearly thought was put into it. Dressers were not included in the design but everyone was in agreement.

Next, they agreed to deep clean the room. They have seen other similar projects and apparently have been taking notes. When they called me to the room to help move the furniture the room was not perfect but it was ready for adult guidance.

Field Notes

I was surprised with how enthusiastic people were to help each other.

The children showed they do know what clean looks like and how to get there.

Delighted to clean. While the kids were working together it sounded like play.

Trail Marker

Family contribution trail marker signs to watch for.

Watch for: What does your child ask to help you with?

Observe: What happened after your child helped with a task?

10 Minute Side Trail

Letting our children feel useful can be simple and fun. For today’s 10 minute side trail all we are going to do is have our child push in a chair to help us complete a chore. Next time you sweep under the table pull the chairs out to sweep. Then as you go around invite them to assist pushing the chairs back in.

Fox Discovery Trail

What did you notice?

Which was the trickiest part?

What will you try next time?

How will you react if something doesn’t go as planned?

What helped you?

Little Fox & Big Fox After Trail

Big Fox: Thank you for your help with the sweeping. What did you notice?

Little Fox: I’m strong!

Big Fox: You sure worked hard to help. What was the trickiest part?

Little Fox: Making them straight.

Big Fox: What will you try next time?

Little Fox: The fish.

Big Fox: What will you do if something doesn’t go as planned?

Little Fox: Catch more fish.

Big Fox: What helped you?

Little Fox: Dad

Nearby Trails

If your child liked helping with this task try

Let them try to sweep themselves.

Wiping down the table.

Carrying laundry.

Folding Socks.

Forest Committee Minutes

Big Badger: Pushing in a chair doesn’t seem too hard. Shouldn’t we have them start with sweeping?

Big Rabbit: Well it would be helpful to have someone push in my 20 babies chairs. It can be a lot to keep up with.

Big Raccoon: Shouldn’t we have our babies playing outside until morning? That’s what we did in the 90’s.