Just like like there is period of transition when children are potty-trained (like I alluded to yesterday), there is often the same type of dynamic when we begin teaching and training others to do things for themselves. Not only does it take time, but it can place additional demands on the one doing the instruction.
When it comes to teaching someone else to do a task, sometimes the temptation is to give up on the training and just do it ourselves. It’s often just that much quicker and easier and less messy. And although this may be true in the short-term, the question is, Do we want to keep things status-quo for the long term?
Teaching others to do things for themselves isn’t usually a short-term solution—it’s a long-term one. Yes, it may cost something up front, but that cost needs to be compared to the long-term benefits.
Potty-training a child takes some time and attention up front—and there may be some messes to clean up along the way—but it’s still worth it in the long run. The same thing can apply to taking the time to train others. It takes effort and time up front, but it’s a necessary step if we ever want to see them be able to function on their own.