Accepting My Son's Independence with Gain Detergent
As my son gets older, I'm amazed at the different ways he shows his independence. I'm also amazed at my reluctance to let him be independent.
Note: This is a sponsored post in partnership with Gain. However, any personal views expressed are always 100% my own.
I think this is a feeling many parents can relate to. Still, no matter how I try to hold on to my "baby", my son clearly isn't going to stop trying to be independent (and he shouldn't), I now look for ways to accept and encourage his independence.
One of the simplest ways is to allow him to "help" during everyday tasks. Like doing laundry.
At first it was just simple things like holding the door. Now that he's older, it's big things like getting a basket, putting in the coins and even his clothes into the washing machine. Under my helicopter mom watchful eye of course.
This last step was a BIG one for me, but my son insisted (aka tantrum) that HE wanted to do it. As we stood in the laundromat having this standoff, I mentally had to sigh, let go (of the clothing) and let my son have his independent laundry moment.
After all what's wrong with him learning how to take care of things himself? Do I really want to still do his laundry when he's a grown adult male? OK I'm not going to answer that last question.
But my point is it's a good thing he knows and LIKES doing his laundry. He likes to be clean. This is a good thing!
I wont lie. I had a misty eye moment watching him go through the steps on his own. Independently. Meaning without any help from me. But I also had a good feeling moment.
As a parent, it's my job to prepare my son to live his life. To equip him with skills so he can survive as an adult. To help develop his self confidence to be on his own. I have to start letting him have more independence in ways when I can.
Gain Laundry Detergent #FreshStart
It was with this thought, that I vowed to make a fresh start of accepting my son independence this New Year. I've been saying it to myself for months but really resolved to after seeing this message on the Gain Facebook page (www.facebook.com/gain).
I really like Gain Laundry's idea of a clean fresh start for this year. Every year so many people look for ways to start clean and fresh in their lives. I think having clean and fresh clothing can play a big part. So does Gain.
Gain Laundry wants to help give people (and their clothes) that clean fresh feeling. Interested to learn how?
A little birdie told me that @Gain (www.twitter.com/Gain) is hosting a twitter party this Thursday, January 10th at 8 p.m. EST to discuss how Gain has vowed to make 2013 the Freshest Year Ever. I heard there will be prizes!
I'm still gathering all the information but plan on sharing all the details here so you can join in the fun!
Here's to resolving to making a fresh and clean start in our lives for 2013.
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13 comments
That is awesome that your son likes to clean and do laundry already. Nothing wrong with a boy/man knowing how to clean and do laundry. I can remember when I was 12-13 dong my own laundry because I didn't like how my mom did it. LOL.
ReplyDeleteGlad he's growing independent- and clean! But here's a heads up mujer- my son's a MARINE, 27, married w/2 sons of his own- and HE'S STILL MY BABY. And I never let him forget it either! ; ) BB2U
ReplyDeleteThat's cute! And the washer/dryer are just his height to help. I have a hard time letting go too. I ask that the boys help me with the dogs, though - even if they do spill some water as they do it. And my youngest loves helping his daddy in the garden - an excuse to get dirty.
ReplyDeleteAhh yes how our kids wrestle for independence. I should let up myself. Gosh I hope I am lenient enough :)
ReplyDeleteMy kids are helpful too , but their love was to put away the dishes from the dishwasher, even as babies and now as 5 and 7, they still love it.
And I do love Gain. It smells sooo good!
Oh my goodness, your son will make a great husband some day! My son likes to help by loading the washer and putting clothes in the dryer. Now the folding part is a whole other story! BTW, I LOVE me some Gain!
ReplyDeleteSweet! My sons like to help separate the loads of laundry (and to jump in the dirty piles).
ReplyDeleteNice post Onica and good for you to have more posts...I am the same way. Need to do more writing, less cut and paste. Good luck with that!
ReplyDeleteHello I love your post. It is so good to get the kids involved to help mom out when she needs it.. nice to meet you.
ReplyDeleteThat is something I am working on with my five year old as well. It's hard, because some things take longer, or can be damaged, but I know I need to let her at least try.
ReplyDeleteIt's fantastic that he actually WANTS to help! It's just as important for boys to learn to clean, cook, hem etc so they can choose a partner for themself later in life that they really love, not just as a substitute mom! Good for you!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year! :)
Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly
It's so sad when you can literally see the growth happening but I love getting more and more help around the house. It's bitter sweet but I promise it's awesome
ReplyDeleteAdorable!! I love independence especially now that my 12 year old does about 50% of the laundry for our family. Would be better if most of the clothes we're all hers! lol Nice post!!
ReplyDeleteAwww, so cute! I have to say, he is such a helper and if he wants to help, you should encourage it. Because it is so rare for kids to actually find pleasure in doing chores.
ReplyDeleteWe are starting to get to this stage and it is hard. Sometimes it is because of time. You know, I rather do it and finish fast but I have to remind myself that Doll Face loves to do things like this, so I let her.
Great post, awesome resolution! Go Mommy! :)
PS Gain smells great!