Meal time is an important part of our day. I always make a point to sit with the children as they eat, whether it be snack or lunch. Things can get pretty messy with toddlers. Self feeding, with our without utensils, proves for an interesting meal. What is important, however, is the fact that they get to help clean up. They scrape their dishes clean into the slop bucket, they help wash the table, sweep the floor. For them, it’s important work. Sure, we may have to go behind and actually “clean” the space, but it is the act of doing that is so important to them.