Mom, I don’t like making my bed.
It takes me so long and it’s too difficult.
Can you make it for me, please?"
"Sure, but it will take away from the time that I would use to do other things for you.
Which one of my jobs can you do for me, while I make your bed?"
"I could serve myself breakfast," answered Kay.
"Well, that’s something you already do, isn’t it?" replied Mom.
"Yes… Oh, then I don’t know. There’s nothing else for me to do," said Kay.
"If I make your bed, can you make my bed?" asked Mom.
"Or, can you do the breakfast dishes or the laundry for me, while I make your bed?"
"I’m thinking about it," said Kay.
"I’ve decided that I will make my bed instead.
That way I can practice doing it, so that I can get better and faster at it."
"Sounds like a good idea," said Mom. "Now I can finish preparing breakfast.
And we can enjoy it together, as soon as you’re done making your bed."
"Watch out, messy bed. Here I come!"
Encouraging children
