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Child psychologist Jennie Lindon answers your letters about child behaviour Q) In our nursery we encourage the children to be involved in ordinary domestic routines like wiping the table or using a dustpan and brush. We also value mealtimes and encourage the children to dish up their own vegetables and make their own sandwiches. A problem has arisen recently because one mother has challenged why we get the children to help in this way. Partly she seems to feel this is not 'proper nursery education'. But she seems to be equally put out because her son wants to help in a similar way at home. The mother's view is that her three-year-old does not do a good enough job. She says, 'It's quicker if I do it.'

Q) In our nursery we encourage the children to be involved in ordinary domestic routines like wiping the table or using a dustpan and brush. We also value mealtimes and encourage the children to dish up their own vegetables and make their own sandwiches. A problem has arisen recently because one mother has challenged why we get the children to help in this way. Partly she seems to feel this is not 'proper nursery education'. But she seems to be equally put out because her son wants to help in a similar way at home. The mother's view is that her three-year-old does not do a good enough job. She says, 'It's quicker if I do it.'

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