Three perspectives on raising capable adults

When we remove every obstacle, will our children be able to handle the climb ahead?

We’re Not Doing It for Our Kids

Rochel Esther Blumenkrantz

MYson, Moishy, turned nine, which meant that he was officially on sweeping duty on Friday afternoon. I spend the morning cooking, then washing dishes, and while I’m busy at the sink, the designated child sweeps the floor.

Moishy began with gusto, enthusiastic about his new job. But when he put the broom away with a self-satisfied “Huh!” I saw that he’d missed half the carrot peels and anything that was too close to a corner.

I expected that, honestly. Moishy is not my oldest.

“Good.” I instructed him. “You just need one more round. Make sure to get under the counters.”

Another attempt, this one with less gusto.

“Great. Did you get under the table?”

No, he did not. And he had missed the area by the fridge, too, and had accidentally emptied half the dustpan onto the floor next to the garbage.

“Sweeping is hard work, isn’t it?” I commented lightly. “Maybe start from the corners next time.”

But Moishy had reached his limit and was gearing up for a full-on tantrum. “I don’t want to do this next time!” There was screaming. There was stomping. There was the isn’t it enough that I do anything? and the none of my friends have to sweep!

And in the midst of the crying and shouting, I was struck with the thought that it would be so, so much easier and faster and better if I just did it myself.

But over the years, I’ve learned that it’s not that simple.