It’s like having a little helper who makes our family stronger and happier — meaning less worry and more harmony in our daily lives.

In our fast-paced world where families are smaller and work keeps us busy, having a child who is independent and responsible is truly a blessing. When our kids can handle tasks on their own, like chores or schoolwork, it lightens our load. It also gives them confidence and prepares them for the future.

Let me tell you a tale of a tiny Snowflake who lives with her Mumma, papa and Nani in the bustling city of Pune. She spends most of her time being her naughty little self — sometimes jumping around, sometimes dancing, sometimes playing with her trucks, and at other times reading a book in a nook or peeping out of the window to see passersby.

She loves to run out to the balcony when she smells Nani carrying a basket of fresh laundry. She helps her carry it and also hangs her little clothes to dry. Oh, how much joy it gives Nani to spend this time with her and listen to her tales.

It wasn’t always easy. Snowflake would often drop washed clothes, thereby soiling them, pinch her finger in a clip, or just be absent for the chore. But Nani called her out, enticing her with stories or treats. Snowflake has learned to dry and fold clothes, even putting them away in the cupboard. Nani secretly refolds and tidies up the ones that get messy.

Oh, she sure is a sleepyhead but loves going to Helios International School. Papa helps her wash up, while Mumma makes breakfast. They then sit down to eat it. She is a messy eater, but proud when happy empty plates are cheered, applauded, and returned to the sink. Then, Snowflake picks out her school clothes and carefully lays them on the bed, as Papa does with his work clothes. In the blink of an eye, she’s dressed, ready, and off to school with ease, excitement sparkling in her eyes.

There were many messy mornings with the sleepy Snowflake always insisting on being fed and not eating by herself, and the morning clock ticking like a time bomb. Papa had to come up with new tricks and tales to encourage her. Slowly but surely, these efforts began to pay off, and Snowflake started to manage more on her own. Taking off night clothes with a ton of buttons and then getting stuck in her hair was surely frustrating for her, but someone was always around to help and guide her. Sometimes the pants went on the wrong side and sometimes the shirt was too hard to tuck in. But small victories were applauded, and frustrations were handled with kindness.

Clean-up time and bedtime are the toughest for the playful little Snowflake. She has to say goodnight to a pile of toys placed around and a stack of books strewn on the floor, tucking them safely in their places of sleep. Mumma realized that to keep everything just right, there needs to be a place for everything so that everything can be put back in its place. One day, Mumma and Snowflake planned this, and now Snowflake finds it easier to clean up. But finding the motivation to do so daily is challenging. Mumma and Papa remind her that with more toys comes greater responsibility for clean-up, and by doing so, Snowflake can be trusted with new toys because she can take care of them.

She loves her collection of night suits with her favourite things on them. Each night she chooses one set and tries her best to put them on. She collects her used clothes and puts them in the laundry bin, uses the restroom, and then helps make the bed. She does this with great vigor because she knows three treats are to follow — a multivitamin gummy that she savours, a bedtime story by Papa, and a lullaby or three from Mumma.

Days pass from sunrise to sunset. Snowflake is thanked daily for her efforts, and together they work to overcome challenges. Nani, papa, and Mumma witness Snowflake’s growth in handling tasks more effectively affording them more personal time.

Her tiny hands grow bigger and more responsible.

Note from the Author –

Dearest Readers,

I am Chetna, mother to a spirited daughter who lights up my life. I am also a professional children’s photographer who delights in capturing innocence through the lens. I find joy in books, in cooking, and in tending to my plants. I am curious about the cosmos and find endless wonder in the starlit skies.

Author Name –  Chetna Sharma

Parent of Jr. Kg. Student