Chores are a great way of teaching responsibility. When they see mommy and daddy working around the house, they often want to help. Sometimes, I think it’s just easier if I do it myself. But, I need to let them help so they will be willing (or somewhat) later on. Keep it simple and let them know you are glad they helped!
Chores For Toddlers
- Picking up toys. This is a no brainer. If they make the mess they should help clean it up. Easier said than done. Sometimes getting them to pick up after themselves is a chore in itself! Make it a game- who can pick up the toys the fastest!
- Helping out with the laundry. Kids can sort laundry into colors, they can get all the dirty clothes from each room (or just a few), they can take the clothes out of the dryer- both of my kids love doing this! Just have a laundry basket right in front of the dryer and have them take the clothes out and into the basket while you are loading the washer.
- Feeding the pets. This is my daughters chore and she takes pride in doing it. Messes are to be expected, for water, they can put it in a small watering can and into the bowl.
- Watering plants. Make sure things aren’t around that water could hurt. If you are watering outdoor plants, let em have at it!
Chores for Older Children
- Dusting. This is a fairly easy one. Give your child a sock for her hand or a duster and let them have a blast. If you are worried about breakables, move them to a safe place before they start.
- Setting and clearing the table. Most kids are eager to help with this job. You can make it easier by having placemats to show where the plate and utensils go. You can find them on OurayToys.com for 3 dollars. Using paper plates and utensils will help avoid breakage. After the family eats, they can help clean up.
- Folding and putting away the laundry. Im not saying you need to have your kids fold an entire basket of laundry, but they could each fold their own and put it away. It might not be just right, but at least they are trying.
Chore charts also help. You can download some for free at http://www.goalforit.com/landing/chore-charts.html?gclid=CPmY15jRvJoCFRabnAod0FnGcA You can even create your own custom charts for older kids too!
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Mariel
Owner & Author at Or so she says...
Mariel (mahr-eeee-elle) is a mother to six, wife to one. Loves homeschooling, golfing, cupcakes, traveling, cuddling, non-fiction books, gardening, James Taylor, family time, and a sexy wedge. This is her blog. Enjoy!
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I’m a big believer in kids doing daily chores! In fact, I think you are doing your child a great diservice by not! Kids need to know how to work hard, that nothing in life comes easy, not to feel entitled, and to be considerate of others.
We sometimes do chore charts, sometimes other things. Things always fizzle out but I think what’s matters more is that you start over again. Currently my kids have 4 rooms a day that they are in charge of. At the end of every day, if they have kept their rooms clean they will get a quarter for each (one dollar). They like having their reward every day rather than once a week.
I think kids should be able to earn money so that they understand it and also have some freedom and something to look forward to. I also think they shouldn’t be able to earn money for everything. If you ask them to help out with something besides their chores, they should just help because they are part of the family and considerate.
My two cents. Good post, Jess!
I do think kids need chores. I’m not good at having them do enough around the house. I’m getting better though.
My kids are supposed to make their own beds and pick up their rooms. They help bring the laundry down stairs and sort, vacuum, sweep, take the garbage out and set the table. They do help with the dishes every once in a while. I need to be better about that one.
Those are great ideas! Thanks
We always had chores a kid. Definitely helped us with responsibility.
These are some great ideas!
LOVE the chore chart. Some times it seems easier to “do it myself” but I need to remember that I’m teaching my kids anything that way…THANKS!
BUT the “hippie” in me needs to point out how wasteful using paper plates can be…for the environment and your pocketbook. If your worried about the children breaking your nice plates maybe you can use plastic.
Love you guys!