Taking the plunge

I have been talking big lately about letting the kids have some responsibility and how kids can do a lot more than most adults expect. It isn't always successful, and sometimes it takes a really long time for them to get done what I could get done in a couple minutes, but it is a goal we strive toward. So it struck me as both surprising and embarrassing when I realized I had never even considered allowing my five and seven year old to clip their nails. I, of course, won't do it either if I can avoid it. Early experiences clipping off the tips of their newborn fingers placed that job firmly in the hands of my husband. Determined to practice what I preach, I asked my son, the older one, if he wanted to try to do it himself. He enthusiastically agreed, and proceeded to clip away with no problem. Next of course, my daughter wanted to get in on the action. She too was able to groom herself without a problem. Here I am, arguing to let kids clean the hamster cage by themselves and be in charge of getting their own shoes safely in the backpacks before school, and I neglect to trust them with personal hygiene. Well, I have had a lesson learned, and am exited to look for other ways to encourage them to take care of themselves.