Yet, I find that doing dishes is one of those things that provides a space, a goal, a mundane yet so necessary thing to do, together, that gives us time to talk, time which is so precious. Just talk, about anything, while we wash, rinse, dry and put away. Olivia (our oldest) and I do dishes together a lot. She is good at it, meaning, keeping the pace while talking, knowing where things go, how they are stacked, etc. Others are a bit more challenged at the "do" and talk at the same time.
The other day, I asked the boys, Ben and George, to do dishes with me, just to dry. Of course, got the "Oh, Mom!", but only once. I pointed out that it was just a small pile and I quickly moved the conversation to something of interest. They went right at it and we talked about sports, the cool fort they are building in the woods, the bow and arrow they want to make, and a silly fart joke. I just love this stuff, 'cause it is slow, real and in the now, and it provides memories for them and for me. And they said, "Mom, that wasn't so bad." I think that I will try weeding with them next.
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