Utah mother Sam Kelly has been making headlines for her unique and unconventional approach to parenting and household chores. As a former therapist turned feminist coach for moms, Sam is challenging traditional gender roles and redefining the way she communicates with her children about managing their home. In a recent interview with Good Morning America, the 38-year-old mother of three shared her perspective on parenting and why she no longer asks her children to “help” with chores.
A Journey of Self-Reflection and Change
Sam’s journey towards this new approach began when she noticed a pattern in her own behavior. She realized that while she was trying to address gender roles with her husband, she was unintentionally perpetuating them with her children. This realization prompted Sam to reflect on her parenting style and find a better way to approach household responsibilities.
Choosing Language that Empowers
One evening, while preparing a chore chart for her kids, Sam had an epiphany. She realized that by using the word “help,” she was inadvertently reinforcing the patriarchal expectations placed on mothers. Sam decided to change her language and started using the word “work” instead. This small change emphasizes that taking care of the home is a shared responsibility among all family members, not just the mother’s burden.
The Power of Words
Sam shared her new approach on her popular Instagram account, where she has nearly 60,000 followers. Her post quickly gained attention and support, with over 66,000 likes and thousands of comments. Sam firmly believes that changing the language around household chores can positively impact children’s perceptions of work and their roles within the family.
A New System: Notice and Do
In addition to changing the language, Sam also introduced a system she calls “notice and do.” Instead of assigning specific chores, she encourages her children to take initiative and identify tasks that need to be done around the house. This system aims to teach children to be proactive and contribute to the overall well-being of their home.
Embracing the Debate
While Sam’s approach has received praise for challenging traditional gender roles and promoting shared responsibility, it has also sparked some debate. Some argue that parents should be solely responsible for managing the home, while others believe involving children in chores can empower them and teach valuable life skills.
Individual Parenting Styles
In the end, Sam Kelly’s parenting philosophy serves as a reminder that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting. Every family is unique, and the key is to find what works best for your family dynamics and values. Sam’s journey towards redefining her parenting approach highlights the importance of open communication and a willingness to adapt and evolve as parents.
A Fresh Perspective on Parenting and Household Responsibilities
In conclusion, Sam Kelly’s decision to stop asking her children to “help” with chores and instead encourage them to “work” with her represents a fresh perspective on parenting and household responsibilities. By changing the language around chores and teaching her children the value of shared work, she is challenging traditional gender roles and promoting a more equitable division of labor within her family. While her approach has garnered both support and criticism, it underscores the importance of thoughtful and intentional parenting in today’s evolving society.
