The topic of chores has been popping up a lot lately. First, I read a Farmer’s Almanac article from 1867 called What Every Farmer’s Child Should Know. It doesn’t state the age of the child, but it got me thinking about my pampered little Sk8ers. Then, on two different occasions, with two Moms near and dear to my heart, they told me how they still clean their teenagers’ rooms because: 1. They are SAHM so they just do it while their teens are at school and 2. Their kiddos are too busy with all their activities and loads of homework. It seems that the more I talk to friends, the more opinions I get about assigning kids tasks. Former latchkey kids felt resentment about having to make their own grilled cheese sandwiches growing up. Others feel that kids’ energy is better spent elsewhere. And still others praise the value of learning how to clean a toilet stating that it made them more considerate human beings.
I feel that household tasks are important and the earlier that you start the better- to me these are life skills and not all lessons happen in the classroom. I think that it gives kids a sense of accomplishment, independence and pride (but, I’m not an expert). It’s all part of path to adulthood, right? But, lets face it, enforcing chores is SUCH a chore. You know how it goes – it’s more work for you to get them to do it, than to just do it yourself. I’m already a serial nagger, and adding something else to the nag list seems so daunting. Fortunately, my five-year old is in the prime stage where he is actually jazzed about helping (with some things) and my three-year old wants to do everything his brother does. I’ve attempted chores and chore charts, I even downloaded the app, Chore Monster, but I haven’t been consistent, which is the #1 rule when trying to train subversive tenants. Since we just underwent a spring cleaning extravaganza in the Skateboard home, I’m enthused about implementing chores, this time for real. I can’t be worried about the output, but just the action.
The Boys’ Chores (3-5 year old)
Set table (after I get the dishes out for them)
Put dirty dishes in sink after eating (plastic plates or throw away plates if paper)
Cut their own food when possible (pancakes are easy)
Pack school backpack in the morning
Get dressed (with some assistance)
Put dirty clothes in hamper
Help make bed (this is challenging since we have a side rail)
Match socks while mommy folds laundry
Help unload silverware from dishwasher
Unload my groceries (they put everything in the fridge, I then move to the correct location)
Clean-up bath toys after bath
Pick up toys & put books on shelves. Be specific, not just “clean up room.”
Hang up jackets and scooter helmets (I got the 3M Command hooks and put them at their level)
Line-up shoes and scooter at front door
Clean-up spills (or potty mistakes for 3 yr old)
*We don’t have pets or a yard, or else they would have even more tasks, mawahahah – that’s my evil laugh.
While on the topic of chores, my reward is praise. Lots and lots of praise. I have a friend who pays her kids a dime for every job, but my kids aren’t that motivated by money, yet. If you are interested in putting your little ones to work, Minhee from Paper + Cup Design created some cute downloadable chore charts that you can either fill-out on the computer, or the good old-fashioned way with a pen (my friend actually draws pictures for her little ones who can’t read yet).
Download the Blue template here and the Pink template here.
So, what is your chore philosophy?
pomegranate / 3032 posts
I always had chores as a child…. my dad is a neat freak and if my mother was cleaning you bet your ass I was too. My favorite job was windexing (mirrors, glass tables, slider/storm door), as I got older I vacuumed, dusted, emptied the dishwasher, helped with dinner prep, set the table, cleaned bathrooms, folded laundry, fed the dog, even mowed the lawn.
I hated it at the time but I think its an important lesson to learn to function in society. I had to teach one of my college roommates how to use a dishwasher after she put dawn in the machine. and I’m sure your future daughter in laws will thank you later. I only wish my husband was forced to do inside chores as a kid/teen.
guest
I absolutely believe in age appropriate chores. I’ve forgotten where I read this, but someone said they don’t pay their children because you don’t pay someone to be a member of a family. I like that! I think plenty of praise and a sense of accomplishment and contribution are the rewards I want to focus on.
nectarine / 2641 posts
I helped far too many freshmen boys how to do laundry as an RA. I think it is as much about learning life skills as it is about getting them to pitch in. But he’s only 2.5, so we will see if I change my tune…
blogger / kiwi / 588 posts
My DS is only 2 yo but he has a couple “chores.”
-Throw away his and his sister’s diapers (DD is 4 months)
-Wipe his hands, face and hi-chair tray after eating (he doesn’t really clean it well, but its more for the idea of cleaning up after we eat.)
-Helps with the laundry either by handing DH hangers when he’s hanging clothes or helping put the clothes in the front loading dryer (mostly small items like socks and his and his sister’s clothes)
pomelo / 5621 posts
I think kids should definitely have chores and help out around the house. How else do you learn to look after things and the place you live.
DS is only two and we already have him started. He has to put his toys away before bedtime every day. He also helps unload the dishwasher, helps with laundry and likes to have a cloth and help clean. Most of it isn’t really helpful and makes things slow but it is more about learning to help at this age.
grape / 98 posts
great post! something I think we should start implementing. any advice on how to get started? (our LO is 2) and/or books/websites to read?
cherry / 209 posts
How old can you start? My daughter is 14 months so wondering when she will be old enough to teach.