Chores For Children
If you remember my last entry, I was musing on the fact that children should be taught how to help out at home. In my point of view, it is never too early to teach children how to handle responsibility. More4kids, a blog on parenting, has an entry on various chores you can start your children on and I agree with almost all of them. Let’s talk about a few that I think are the most feasible and productive.
I think that at the toddler stage, it would be perfect to start teaching our kids responsibility. More4kids outlines various chores such as:
-picking up toys
-helping with the laundry
-watering plants
-feeding pets
-cleaning the floor.
I personally like the first one best. Children these days have tons of playthings. Making it a point to have them clean up and put away whatever they play with is a very good start in instilling a sense of responsibility in our children. Learning at this early stage would make it easier for them to take on larger tasks as they grow older.
So when they get out of the toddler stage, what other activities can they start doing? I think that making their own beds is a must. Tidying up their own rooms should be another “have to.” Also, I think watering the plants and helping out in the garden (if you have one) should start at this age as the activity would be more suitable for older kids. Walking the dog (perhaps with an adult) is also a good way to get kids outdoors. Of course, doing the dishes and setting the table should be thrown in there as well (I know, I really don’t like these chores).
How about you? How are you teaching your children responsibility through house chores?
2 Responses
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March 16th, 2008 at 12:03 am
As a 24 year old work from home Mom of 3 boys who are all under the age of 3, getting the kids to help out around the house is a must. I agree, that you can never start them out too young – but also think that you have to make sure that the jobs you give them are age appropriate.
My 3 year old understands that his younger brothers can’t always do the same jobs that he is given, like laying out the cutlery at each spot at the dinner table, or putting clothes on hangers, etc.
My 3 year old’s jobs include: setting the table, clearing his dishes, picking up his toys, putting his dirty clothes in the laundry room, ad clean clothes in his closet. He is also given the choice to do more jobs above, and beyond what are his responsibilty if he would like to earn money for certain things. I laugh, because right now, he’s sving for a car to drive whe he turns 16! He’s only 3.
My 2 year old’s jobs include: cleaning up his own spills, his toys, washing the kitchen table with a cloth, putting the unbreakable things on the table – like ketchup, putting his dirty clothes in the laundry room, getting towels for bath time.
My 5 month old’s jobs include: intently watching his older brothers who are setting a great example for when it comes to be his time to contribute as well.
However, he’s okay with not doing the same jobs, because he knows that everyone in the household has different jobs they’re responsible for – and each are equally important.
As the kids grow, their “jobs” change. But, from the very start, they learn that it is important to contribute to their family life, and to the responsibilities in their home.
Incorporating duties or chores into our childrens lives, have made them into responsible, appreciative little boys, who now actually take action voluntarily to help out. This makes life a whole lot easier for everyone, and gives us much more quality time to spent together as a family.
As a whole, we’re all a lot happier – I like to think, that by being consistant, and teaching my children the importace of helping out, that they will grow to be responsible, helpful, compassionate, and caring men when they grow up.
Your Truly,
Jennifer Wheeler
Founder of Your Family Wellness
http://www.yourfamilywellness.org
March 16th, 2008 at 12:03 am
As a 24 year old work from home Mom of 3 boys who are all under the age of 3, getting the kids to help out around the house is a must. I agree, that you can never start them out too young – but also think that you have to make sure that the jobs you give them are age appropriate.
My 3 year old understands that his younger brothers can’t always do the same jobs that he is given, like laying out the cutlery at each spot at the dinner table, or putting clothes on hangers, etc.
My 3 year old’s jobs include: setting the table, clearing his dishes, picking up his toys, putting his dirty clothes in the laundry room, ad clean clothes in his closet. He is also given the choice to do more jobs above, and beyond what are his responsibilty if he would like to earn money for certain things. I laugh, because right now, he’s sving for a car to drive whe he turns 16! He’s only 3.
My 2 year old’s jobs include: cleaning up his own spills, his toys, washing the kitchen table with a cloth, putting the unbreakable things on the table – like ketchup, putting his dirty clothes in the laundry room, getting towels for bath time.
My 5 month old’s jobs include: intently watching his older brothers who are setting a great example for when it comes to be his time to contribute as well.
However, he’s okay with not doing the same jobs, because he knows that everyone in the household has different jobs they’re responsible for – and each are equally important.
As the kids grow, their “jobs” change. But, from the very start, they learn that it is important to contribute to their family life, and to the responsibilities in their home.
Incorporating duties or chores into our childrens lives, have made them into responsible, appreciative little boys, who now actually take action voluntarily to help out. This makes life a whole lot easier for everyone, and gives us much more quality time to spent together as a family.
As a whole, we’re all a lot happier – I like to think, that by being consistant, and teaching my children the importace of helping out, that they will grow to be responsible, helpful, compassionate, and caring men when they grow up.
Your Truly,
Jennifer Wheeler
Founder of Your Family Wellness