Have you noticed that children sometimes try to be helpful, but it only makes your life more complicated?

I heard a story about a mother who was sick in bed with the flu. Her darling daughter wanted so much to be a good nurse. She fluffed the pillows and brought a magazine for her mother to read. And then she even showed up with a surprise cup of tea.

Why, youre such a sweetheart, the mother said as she drank the tea. I didnt know you even knew how to make tea.

Oh, yes, the little girl replied. I learned by watching you. I put the tea leaves in the pan and then I put in the water, and I boiled it, and then I strained it into a cup. But I couldnt find a strainer, so I used the fly swatter instead.

You what? the mother screamed.

And the little girl said, Oh, dont worry, Mom, I didnt use the new flyswatter. I used the old one.

When kids try their hardest and they get it all wrong in spite of themselves, whats a parent to do? What mothers and fathers often do is prevent their children from carrying any responsibility that could result in a mess or a mistake. Its just easier to do everything for them than to clean up afterward. But I urge parents not to fall into that trap.

Your child needs his mistakes. Thats how he learns. So go along with the game every now and then … even if the tea you drink tastes a little strange.

— Dr. James Dobson

Child psychologist