Xavier Pulls His Weight
Greetings to everyone.
One of the important bachelor lessons Xavier has learned is that you don't have to live like a slob. This is a great lesson he has picked up.
Xavier initiates vacuuming the carpet. He will tug, push and pull the vacuum, even our heavier one, to where he finds dirt (like his play molding sand) on the floor. He has mastered pulling out the wall socket safety inserts, so he will pull one out of the socket. He unwinds the cord and plugs it into the newly opened socket. Then, away he goes! He finds it easier to use the brush or crevice attachments than to wield the bulky carpet beater around (though he does push it around if he must).
Afterward, when the vacuuming is finished, Xavier winds up the cord (usually needing Dad's help) and returns the vacuum to it storage place. He then replaces the socket safety plug back into the socket.
Not only does Xavier assist with vacuuming, he also washes dishes. Often, he will displace Dad from doing that task. He will take over the washing and the rinsing. It does take him five times as long to clean as he plays in the water at the same time.
Xavier cleans his plate after dinner by taking it to the cupboard under the sink and dumping it into the trash can. When he finds some trash on the floor, he puts it in the trash also.
The other night we were coloring together using a box of eight crayons, which Xavier dumped out on the floor. Xavier left the room then returned. The empty crayon box he left with was no longer in his hand. When our coloring time ended, I asked him "Where is the crayon box?" Xavier ran into the kitchen, got into the trash and extracted the box he threw away.
Now, to teach him how to pick up the food he drops, or the books in his room, or his Hot Wheels (which are everywhere).