Desert Rose Playgroup News

One of the things we notice again and again at playgroup is just how eager young children are to be useful. Even our littlest children, who may only recently have started walking or talking, often want to help pass out song sheets or blankets, take a cloth to wipe the table, chop the fruit, or join in as we pack the toys away.

Recently, we needed some fresh coffee beans for the parents’ morning coffee, and one of our families generously offered to lend us their manual coffee grinder. It immediately seemed like a wonderful job for the children to help with.

Grinding the beans is real work. The handle can be surprisingly tricky to turn and takes quite a bit of effort, and some children have understandably become frustrated when it hasn’t moved as easily as they expected. But there is value in that too. They have the opportunity to persist, try a different way, accept a little help, or watch another child before having another go.

Most importantly, the task has a genuine purpose. The children aren’t grinding coffee simply because we have created an activity for them to do - their work contributes to something that is actually needed and enjoyed by the playgroup community.

These small, everyday jobs give children the chance to experience themselves as capable and contributing members of the group. Whether they are carrying, wiping, chopping, tidying or grinding the morning coffee, there is a quiet satisfaction in knowing: I helped.

I invite you to look for small ways to welcome your child into the real work of home life. When we have spent so long doing everything for our babies, it can take a conscious shift to step back and make room for them to help - but it is never too early to start. The effort, frustration, persistence and pride that come with these moments are all part of their growth and learning.

With love,

The Playgroup Team