In my last post, I talked about how valuable it is to have my children working with me on house cleaning and chores. If you missed the first post, check it out, because it will show that it really is possible to get your kids to do their chores, and as a busy mama – it’s priceless! Plus, there are skills and character qualities that are developed in our children when they start taking responsibility around the house!
By making sure that your children are regularly helping out around the house, you’re teaching them:
responsibility in a safe environment
the value of family and working together
follow-through (yes, you DO need to sweep under the table too…)
perseverance (yes, under the entire table).
As we talked about in the last post on chores, don’t worry about building skills – build character first and the skills will develop.
Here are some helpful hints as to what chores you can reasonably expect your child to do at each stage (Realizing that some kids are different and will do things earlier/later). Regardless of how “mature” your child is, be realistic, and realize that kids should not be expected to do these without reminders until they’re about twelve years old, give or take. They can, but that doesn’t mean they will, so you can prompt them and encourage them to do it without your reminders, but don’t get upset if you do need to give them that nudge. After all, the parent is still the authority of the household, with an adult’s experience and perspective.
So here is a list to give you a starting point for what is realistic, given the ages of your children (and like I said, all children are different! These are averages and approximates, and just a reference point)
(and P.S. – these are recommendations for what is possible – not lists that have to be completed each day! we’re building character, responsibility and a good work ethic…not slaves :))
Age Appropriate Chores:
2-3 years old
pick up toys
pick up dirty clothes
4-5 years old
the above, plus:
set table and help to clear it
unload clean silverware & sort it to put away
make bed
tidy shoes, coats, etc in mudroom or front entry
animal chores: water or feed (with help & reminders!)
empty small wastebaskets into trash
6-7 years old
the above, plus:
sweeping
mirrors
raking the lawn
weeding & planting & picking in the garden
change sheets on bed with help
help to sort, fold and put away clean laundry
dust
unload dishwasher
make simple lunches or breakfasts
8-11 years old
the above, plus:
clean sinks
swiffer/mop
wash dishes by hand
take out trash to the road/dumpster
food preparation: oatmeal, eggs, pancakes, etc.
12-13 years old
the above, plus:
continuing food preparation: salads, dressings, baked goods
mow lawn
babysit (some kids are ready for this at the age of 13 for short periods, but obviously use your judgement!)
obviously clean their own room
laundry
14-16 years old
the above, plus:
do household chores without reminders
plan a meal, purchase groceries and prepare the food
deep cleaning
I can’t emphasize enough that, YES, it’s WONDERFUL having help around the home, and if you have a large family, it’s a necessity. But regardless, even if you only have one child, chores are a must, because they learn far more than just “how to dust” when they start taking responsibility within a family.
Here are some other GREAT resources and age-appropriate lists that I’ve come across!
Assigning Chores to Kids (this is a great site with a TON of chore related posts and suggestions!)
What other chores are your children doing working on? How do chores “work” at your house?
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This post is part of Monday Mania and Welcome Home, Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways, and Seasonal Celebrations, Sunday School Blog Carnival and The Welcome Home Link Up
The photo was amended by me, but originally by this loverly photographer
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