This post contains affiliate links
Chores are an annoying but yet essential part of any household. In family homes, it is often the mother who occupies them, but if there are multiple people living in the house, why should all the burden be on one person alone? Everyone in the house should be equally involved and do their part.
Research says that children want to feel needed and feel that they are making a contribution to the family. Giving them chores is a great way to teach them responsibility and show them that they are a valued part of the family.
However, it is not very simple to make children help out around the house. You need to have a good plan and avoid certain things.
Things to avoid when involving kids with chores
- Avoid perfectionism. It`s better to have a more relaxed approach and be consistent than to focus on being perfect. If you focus on perfection, you might risk doing the job yourself, which could dishearten the child and undermine the whole point.
- It`s never too early. Do not underestimate your child just because they are too young. There are many chores that even toddlers can do, so don`t delay in teaching them.
- Don`t delay praising the child. Encourage the child while they are still doing the chore, and don`t wait until it is done. This helps build positive momentum.
- Don`t be inconsistent. If your children are not consistent with their chores, they might expect someone else to do them for them.
Make a list of all the chores around the house. Have your kids pick out the chores they would like to do and then create a chart with everyone`s names. Make sure the chores they picked are appropriate for their age. Then give them a deadline and finally add a column for ticking when the job is done.
Ideally, you should have two charts, one for daily chores and one for weekly chores. This makes it easier and clearer which chores need to be done when. Finally, put the charts where everyone can see and tick.
Pro tips:
- Give specific instructions. Using vague instructions such as “clean your room” can give mixed signals. Instead, be more specific, like “put your clothes in the drawers,” make your bed,” and “but all the toys and books away”.
- Show them how to do it. Model how you want the job to be done step by step, then do it together with the child while you supervise.
- Give reminders and plenty of time. To give children a sense of time, you can use the “when/then” rule. For example, “When you take the rubbish out, you can play with the PS4.”
Should I Give Allowance For Chores?
Many parents have mixed feelings when it comes to paying their children for chores. Most parents disagree with this, as they see chores as a responsibility that children need to fulfill without expecting money in return. It is especially important not to associate chores with money for little children, as they may not know the value of money yet and, as a result, lose their motivation.
Which Chores Should I Give to My Children?
If your child can navigate the internet by themselves, then there`s no doubt they can also run the dishwasher. Do not underestimate children. Preschoolers can easily complete one- or two-step jobs. Some age-related chores include:
Chores for children ages 2 to 3
- Put rubbish in the bin
- Put shoes away
- Wipe down spills
- Put toys away
- Fill pet`s food dish
- Dust
- Put plates in the sink (my absolutely favourite pretend sink which works just like a real sink and without any batteries- find it here)
Chores for children ages 4 to 5
- Clear table
- Make bed
- Use hand-held vacuum
- Swipe floor
- Wash plastic dishes in the sink
- Set the table for mealtime
- Cut food with plastic knife (find my favourite child friendly knifes here)
- Put dishes away
Chores for children ages 6 to 7
- Sort laundry
- Start a load of laundry
- Help pack lunch
- Help with meal prep, such as chopping food
- Keep bedroom tidy
Chores for children ages 8 to 9
- Taken dog for a walk
- Make simple snacks
- Vacuum
- Mop the floor
- Load dishwasher
- Peel vegetables
- Cook simple food like toast
Chores for children ages 10 and above
- All the above chores and the below
- Fold laundry
- Clean bathroom
- Clean car
- Iron clothes
- Clean kitchen
- Supervise younger siblings
- Change bed sheets
Thank you for reading. Please check out my other posts here.