My son must have been about 8 years old and I was introducing him to the contribution to the family in the form of the family chores. I wanted to begin with what I thought was an easy task so I set about to instruct him in cleaning the bath tub.
The first step was ensuring my son was protected physically so I gave him a pair of vinyl gloves, a face mask and a sponge. I didn't want him to inhale fumes or get the product on his hands. I taught him to stand at least a foot away from the tub and spray the product on the tub.
He seemed to understand the concept and readily accepted the task. He put on his gloves and face mask and begin applying the product to the tub. Not wanting to coddle I walked away but hovered nearby just in case he might need support.
I could hear my son spraying for what seemed like a minute before I walked back into the bathroom. It appeared he had sprayed about third of a can of cleaner when I interrupted his actions and asked, (not too calmly) "Son! What are you doing?" His sincere and concerned reply, "I'm trying to get the scrub bubbles to come out and scrub the tub!" The look on my son's face was priceless when I replied, "son you are the scrub bubble. It's now time for you to pick up that sponge and go to work!"
My son is now 30 years old and we have re-visited this story from time to time when he is disappointed in what is required of him to succeed. I am still lovingly encouraging him to pick up that sponge and go to work!
