Beginning early is best with Real Life University. So, start tapping into those natural teaching moments with your little ones just as soon as they can toddle around the house. 

I break my RLU Checklist into 3 developmental stages: 

• Toddler to Age 8
• Ages 8 to 12
• 13 years old and Older

Raelynn and baby Sarah shelling peas for the freezer

For very young children, RLU is an awesome adventure. Children naturally love to help. They love to be with us. They love new things, and they love a fun challenge. So take advantage of all that natural enthusiasm and get started with your little ones today. 

Little Haden helping his Daddy

You’ll want to begin by teaching your child to do the tasks you already do every day: set the table, sort dirty laundry, wash dishes, and fold laundry. Your young child should do these things with you! Yes, it takes a few minutes longer when little hands help. Yes, this requires patience from parents. Yes, you may need to listen to many nonsensical jokes from your preschooler while you work together. But, the rewards are so worth it! Think of it this way: when you invest a few minutes helping your six-year-old learn to wash dishes, when he is 16 he will bless you every evening by cleaning up after supper. True story! This happens every day in my home. This is exactly how RLU works, for the benefit of everyone. My teens truly bless our family now, because they understand why and how we work as a family, and they know how to do things well. It’s worth every moment of teaching your little ones, because your big ones will be so capable and confident and willing to do what needs to be done. And, won’t all these well-equipped children grow up to be awesome citizens, spouses, and parents one day? 

Baby Sarah helped cleaning the glass

Caution: 

Don’t be a perfectionist. Seriously, y’all. Your children are young, so don’t expect them to clear the table as neatly as you can. Keep the goal in mind! We want to develop these little kids into skilled adults, so be patient. Let it go, and watch them grow into these skills. You have years to practice with them, so make it fun! Rejoice with them as they make gradual improvements. Don’t fuss at them. Who wants to work with a grouchy and picky perfectionist? Your child will enjoy teamwork in your home if you make it enjoyable. Be kind. Encourage. Point out what he does well. Gently remind when he doesn’t do well. Treat your child the way you would like to be treated. Very soon, I’ll add a troubleshooting section to help you navigate bumps in the road. But, remember to be gentle in your instruction and lovingly exhort your little one toward being better and better each day. 

Little Haden and Houston picking (& eating) grapes

Haden this summer, helping his Dad prune and train the grapevines

Also, set your child up for success. I keep our shopping list handy on the side of the fridge with a pencil nearby. That way when I notice we are running low on flour, a child can easily add it to our list. And intentional RLU leads to so many extra skills, like the discussion about how to spell this particular sort of flour, not the flower growing in the yard. If your child is too young to take the trash all the way to the can, begin with stages. Have him help you close the trash bag and set it on the porch for dad to finish the task later. Let your child do all she can, without endangering or overwhelming her.

Young Houston helped keep our spice cabinet in order using a list posted inside the cabinet door

Organize your kitchen and laundry room simply, so young ones can help without messing up. You know that messy, overflowing drawer full of plastic bowls and mismatched lids? Pare it down. Tidy it up so your young child can find the proper place for those dishes he washed and dried. Everyone works better in a simplified space, because everything has its place. I promise, once you begin helping your children learn skills at home, you will quickly see the benefits of dejunking and decluttering. Everyone works better when there is a place for everything, and everything in its place. It’s a lofty goal, and I’ve never had it down perfectly, but I do strive toward it, constantly culling things we don’t need or which don’t have a place in our home. Plus, giving away things you don’t use or need is an important skill you’ll be modeling for your child!

Watch for ways every day to include your little one in your daily chores and projects. Your child will thrive on being included and having your attention, and you will soon realize you’ve trained up a big kid who truly is capable and confident. Starting young sets a course for your family to one day release skilled young adults into a world that truly needs them!