Too Much Help

Is it possible to have too much help? Or maybe the wrong kind of help? That's what I'm dealing with these days. Especially when it comes to doing the laundry or emptying the dishwasher. I'm starting to think Jack has built in sonar. He knows the minute the dishwasher is opened or the minute the washing machine is opened. He comes running and starts emptying it or filling it. Once in awhile he gets the job right.

Like here:

He was actually taking wet clothes from the washer and putting them in the dryer. He was so proud of himself. He was doing such a good job.

However, I turn my head for a moment and find him doing this:

Emptying out the wet clothes from the dryer. Putting them back in the washer or mixing them with my nice clean and dry clothes. So 50% of the time he is very helpful, the other 50% of the time he is creating more work for me.

When it comes to the dishwasher he is really good about taking out the dirty dishes and scattering them throughout the house. Or worse yet sticking them in his mouth. Other times he is emptying the drawer of clean bowls and putting them in the dishwasher full of dirty dishes. When the dishes in the dishwasher are clean he takes them out and puts them in his mouth. Creating more dirty dishes. I'm trying to remember to do it when he is in his highchair, or taking a nap.

I know these are good teaching tools. Plus he really isn't hurting anything. He's teaching me patience. Sometimes it can be a fun game and I often find it very entertaining. I just need to relax a bit and remember what is most important. Spending quality time with my children. Not keeping a perfect house.

Who knows, maybe he'll be good at doing the laundry like Noah is. Or learn to love doing the dishes.