Teaching kids to do household chores is an important part of helping them learn to be independent. Kids who are actively involved in helping run a household learn self-confidence and self-respect. Children come to realize that certain jobs depend on them. They gain a sense of responsibility, and the satisfaction of making a significant contribution to the family.
Avoid "chore wars" by starting when your children are young – kids as young as 2 can help with household chores. Though starting young is a good idea, you can get started assigning chores for kids at any age. Remember to keep it fun, keep it age appropriate, and set a routine.
Age Appropriate Chores for Kids
Make sure that you assign age appropriate chores. For example, a 6-year-old is too young to wash dishes, but can be a great help in folding laundry. Even toddlers can help with simple chores. Give your toddler a wet rag to help clean the table, and enlist his help in putting his toys in the toy box. Don't expect a 2 or 3 year old to do these things completely or efficiently – it will take a little more work on your part if you encourage your toddler to ‘help' you with chores, but remember that you are laying the groundwork for your child to learn to do more complex tasks in the future. Invest the time now in helping your child learn. Don't expect kids to do chores perfectly, and make sure you acknowledge their efforts.
Here are some general guidelines for age appropriate chores for children through age 10 (children age 11 and up can do almost all of the same chores adults do):
Age 2 to 3 Years
Clean tables and counter tops (you provide a wet rag) Pick up toys Put dirty clothes in hamper Carry light groceries (a bag of bread, for example)
Age 3 to 5 Years
Get the mail Empty small wastebaskets Sort and fold socks Clear the table after meals
Age 5 to 7 Years
Take out the garbage Prepare simple meals and snacks (peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, for example) Sort, fold, and hang laundry Sweep, mop, and vacuum
Age 8 to 10 years
Empty garbage pails Do laundry independently (sort, wash, dry, fold) Wash dishes Put away groceries
These guidelines are meant to provide examples of the kinds of age appropriate chores that children can do, but they are not an exhaustive list. Use your own judgment and the child's maturity level to determine what other tasks he or she can do.
Set Examples; Build Relationships
Your children are more likely to follow your example than your words. The saying "do as I say, not as I do" is a very ineffective way of getting children to do chores. Avoid "chore wars" by setting clear expectations about who should do which chores, and when.
Chores for kids are an important opportunity to teach your children important skills, and should not be simply a list of demands. Take the opportunity to build relationships with your kids. They are far more likely to complete chores if they experience a sense of cooperation and feel that you are pleased with their work.
About the author: Samantha Buck is a Professional Organizer and Editor of http://www.LifeOrganizeIt.com, where you can find solutions to life's organizing dilemmas. Subscribe to the free organizing magazine "Organize It Mom!" at http://www.lifeorganizeit.com/free-e-zine.html for super easy tips and techniques to get yourself organized. Not just for moms, this free organizing magazine will help anyone get organized!
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I like thr practical idea's. Our grandchildren love working with grandma around the hosue "helping'. Eevn the little things. It builds work ethic. Good job.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
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