To be honest, most kids aren’t too enthusiastic about doing chores, and most parents hate nagging their children about doing them. However, as parents, we need to realize that we’re not doing our kids any favors if we just let them get away with not helping around the house.
There are several reasons why we have to give our children chores. For one, it’s one way to make sure that everything that needs doing around the house—especially a big one—is done. Another is that making them do chores allows them to actively contribute to the household in their own way.
Chores also provide our kids with a learning experience on many levels. Not only do they get to learn specific basic skills that will come in handy in later life, but they also help our children develop a sense of responsibility and accountability.
There’s a study that says adults who did chores as children tend to be happier and more successful. Shouldn’t that be enough to start assigning household tasks for them and creating, if need be, a chore allowance chart?
IDEAL CHORES FOR KIDS BY AGE
If you decide to make your kids do chores, make sure you assign them age-appropriate tasks. While there’s no such thing as “too early” when it comes to teaching kids chores, it’s only sensible to assign them tasks that are ideal for their age. Use the list below as a reference.
Age 2-3:
Putting dirty laundry in the hamper
Picking up toys or any clutter in their bedroom
Making beds with your supervision
Age 4-5:
Folding towels
Fluffing up throw pillows
Giving pets food and water
Dusting tables, shelves, picture frames
Setting the dining table, and clearing it afterward
Passing you wet laundry for hanging to dry
Helping carry lighter groceries
Assisting in cleaning their rooms
Sorting fresh laundry by color
Age 6-8:
Watering plants
Folding fresh laundry
Picking up the phone
Dusting and mopping
Emptying the dishwasher
Helping prepare food
Age 9-12:
Taking out the trash
Doing the dishes
Cleaning their bedroom
Preparing easy meals such as cereals without supervision
Raking the lawn
Helping with bathroom and kitchen cleanup
Taking the dog for a walk
Helping wash the car
Putting groceries in shelves
Changing sheets
Washing windows
Age 13 and up:
Vacuuming the carpet
Preparing dinner
Babysitting
Replacing light bulbs
Doing the laundry
Mowing the lawn
Wash and maintain the car, if they’re of driving age
SOME THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND
Don’t be too pushy when it comes to making them do chores. And expecting them to do their tasks to perfection wouldn’t help. If anything, your approach to assigning them chores should be relaxed, and you can try and make it fun. Just show them the proper way to do a specific duty, and they’ll eventually pick it up. In effect, you will be leading and teaching by example, which is always good.
CONSIDER GIVING THEM AN ALLOWANCE
If we are giving them chores to help them prepare for adult life, then giving them an allowance for tasks they complete would make a lot of sense. When they earn money for doing chores, they will see the value of hard work. It will also allow you to teach them how to manage their money, a skill that will serve them well when they enter adulthood.
It’s never too early for your kids to do chores and receive rewards for them. When they do chores and earn from them and have the sense to save up while they’re still young, you can rest assured that they’ll grow up to be hardworking, responsible, financially-aware, and happy adults.
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