Big Helper

We decided it was time for Abby to start earning a little bit of money so that she could learn about paying her tithing. Last week, we talked about a few chores that she can help with, aside from the things she is always expected to help with, like cleaning up her toys. Then, we made a chart with columns of ten circles. Whenever she helps with one of the chores (unloading the dishwasher, folding/putting away laundry and collecting the garbage) she gets to put a sticker in one of the circles. After she fills a column of ten circles, we will pay her a dollar (90 cents for her bank, 10 cents for tithing). These chores are optional. If she doesn't feel like helping me unload the dishwasher, that's ok--she just doesn't earn a sticker.

So far, she has been very excited about helping out and putting stickers on her chart.

On Tuesday, I did some laundry but never got around to folding the last load. Abby remembered this Wednesday morning while I was in the shower and asked if she could help fold. I told her we could work on it at soon as I got out and put some clothes on. While I was getting dressed, she asked if she could start taking the clothes out of the dryer and I happily obliged. Once I got my clothes on, I told Abby I was ready and she responded, "I'm right here." Her response had a bit of an echo. I found out that "right here" was in the dryer.

My first instinct was to scold her but then I decided to laugh, and take a picture. It sure was entertaining to watch her getting out of the dryer. You can't tell in this picture, but the toilet is right next to the dryer. And I mean, right next to it. The dryer door only opens about halfway before smashing into the toilet. She had to do some contortion work to remove herself.

I guess Abby's idea of helping with the laundry is to become one with the laundry.