As a parent, it is our job to start teaching our children responsibility at an early age. Whether it is the fact that we are responsible for our actions, or how to listen to your parents, teaching our children should be our first priority to get them ready to handle all of that responsibility that awaits them outside of the comfort of home.
Chores are a great way for children not only to contribute to the household, but to also learn the meaning of hard work and how it pays off. No matter what age your child is, there is always a lesson to be learned and way to help instill the joy of hard work into them, without overloading them.
Chores for Kids Ages 2-4
This is a great age to start introducing small chores that little hands can carry out. You can start small by giving them buckets with coordinating colors to help put their toys away, or having them carry an item of clothing and placing them in the drawers. This age should be about teaching them that items have their own places and to put things back where they belong when they are finished. Have them help you with chores and build their confidence that they are doing things right, so they will feel comfortable doing things on their own.
- Put away toys.
- Help sort laundry.
- Dust.
- Help make bed.
- Wipe table off.
Chores for Kids Ages 5-8
At this age, children should be doing things more independently. Tasks that are great for this age is being able to pick up their room, vacuum the floors, wipe down bathroom surfaces, and assist with cleaning up the kitchen after dinner time. When creating a chores list for this age group, be sure to use pictures and give specific times of the day for these items to be done. If not, you may only confuse your children more, or they may do the wrong items at different times of the day. Make it as easy as possible for them to follow directions and be sure to praise them accordingly when there is a job well done.
- Set the table.
- Clear the table.
- Dust.
- Make bed.
- Clean up toys, books, and papers.
- Help wash dishes.
- Sweep.
- Water the garden.
- Help feed pets.
- Help fold laundry.
Chores for Kids Ages 9-13:
In addition to tasks done earlier, children should be doing laundry, sorting clothes, assisting with siblings, cleaning out the car, loading the dishwasher, and taking out the trash. This age brings on more responsibility with the chores and also for themselves.
- Make bed.
- Clean room.
- Set the table.
- Clear the table.
- Help put away groceries.
- Dust.
- Vacuum.
- Sweep.
- Mop.
- Feed pets.
- Fold Laundry.
- Help load the dishwasher.
- Help unload the dishwasher.
- Clean mirrors.
- Clean windows.
- Wipe down counters.
- Take out the trash.
- Rake Leaves.
- Water the garden.
- Help with weeding.
Chores for Kids Ages 14-18:
At this age, teenagers are able to not only help with the household chores by taking on a major role in the household, but should be taking their school and assignments seriously as well. This is also a good time to have them help with the family budget, and teach them money management skills. Be sure at this age to give them freedom, but instill curfews and standards. Have your teen take on their household duties, finish schoolwork, and then allowing them to their time is a great way to teach them about hard work and rewards.
- Make bed.
- Clean room.
- Set the table.
- Clear the table.
- Make meals.
- Dust.
- Vacuum.
- Sweep.
- Mop.
- Feed pets.
- Fold Laundry.
- Help load the dishwasher.
- Help unload the dishwasher.
- Clean mirrors.
- Clean windows.
- Wipe down counters.
- Clean bathtub or shower.
- Clean toilets.
- Take out the trash.
- Rake Leaves.
- Water the garden.
- Help with weeding.
- Shovel Snow.
- Mow the lawn.
- Wash the Car.
An important thing to remember is that even though your job is to teach them responsibility, it is also very important to remember to give them the time to be kids and discover who they really are. By creating a balance between work and play you can create a life for your children where they can grow into well rounded adults ready for the world.
Stepfanie Cuevas has been a writer and blogger for the past 7 years. With working in social media, she has enjoyed the fact that you can connect with anyone from across the world. You can find Stepfanie speaking at a blogging conference or working with brands on their latest campaigns. She balances a household with her entrepreneur husband, 3 children, and another on the way! You can find out more about Stepfanie by checking out her personal blog at http://www.StepfaniesDesk.com and her Content Creation site at http://www.MyBloggingServices.
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