Importance of Household Chores to Kids

As parents, we sometimes have second thoughts of asking kids to do some chores. Some thoughts come to our mind like “isn’t it our responsibility?” or  “let them enjoy their times as kids”. Then, we realize that giving them chores to do, is actually one of the most important things we can ever do. With our kids doing chores, whether it’s household or not, they learn to be more responsible, and gain important life skills such as patience and teamwork. These are lessons that they can bring with them their whole life.

Having kids do chores at home may be tricky at first. As time goes by, our kids will even feel like they are part of something larger themselves. Chores will make them realize the importance of cleanliness, discipline and hard work. They will start to see that family members need to help each other in every way possible at their young age.

Here are some chores that can be done varies on how old your child is. Let’s teach them to be responsible as early as possible. But take note that each child matures at a different pace. Observe your child and adjust this list depending on their skills. As they grow older additional chores can be added gradually. Here are some to use as your guide.

From Ages 2 to 3

Family Chores

• Help in cleaning up dirt and spills

• Put dirty laundry into the laundry basket

Personal Chores

• Pick up toys

• Assist in making beds

From Ages 4 to 5

Children within this preschool years, can be given more simple chores than the toddler years. At this age, they respond well to Sticker Charts. This helps them remind the things they need to do since they can’t read yet and would just rely on pictures. Always put a sticker on each chore your child completes as an incentive to keep them motivated.

Family Chores

• Set and clear the table, with parental supervision

• Sort colors of the dirty laundry.

• Match socks and other clothing after being washed

• Help in preparing food

• Help carry light groceries

• With parental supervision, clean up their own rooms.

Personal Chores

• Pick up toys and put them where it should be kept after playing

• Make their own bed

• Get dressed

• Wash hands, especially before and after meals

From Ages 6 to 8

As our children grows older and begin attending schools their responsibilities at home with chores can also increase. Continuing the chores they get used to during their preschool years, gradually add new chores to your child’s list. However, we as parents should teach them step by step on what to do for each complex chore that will be added. Praise and encourage them to keep doing an awesome job.

Family Chores

• Vacuum individual rooms

• Dust rooms and common areas

• Fold laundry and put them back to closets and drawers

• Help prepare food

• Clean own room

• Put dishes back to the cabinets after cleaned and drained

• Answer the phone, with parental  supervision

Personal Chores

• Get dressed

• Comb and fix hair

• Brush teeth

• Make their bed

From Ages 9 to 12

At this stage, Tweens can start learning how to take more responsibilities than their School Age years. Rewarding your tweens for every simple ask they complete is really not ideal and necessary anymore. Cleaning their rooms and picking up after themselves are now part of pitching in to help the family. A good way to keep them motivated is to now pay them an allowance. This will also gradually teach them to handle money and to be financially responsible. You can start rewarding them through a token economy system before paying them with real money. Let them earn tokens and have it exchanged to something they would like when they have earned enough.

Family Chores

• Do assigned household chores without being asked to

• Prepare food

• Doing grocery

• Wash windows and walls when needed

• Do yard work as needed

• Deep cleaning of appliances and stuff

Personal Chores

• Responsible in saving and spending money

• Responsible in buying own stuff like clothes

• Responsible for all personal chores since day 1

There may be days when in assigned tasks cannot be accomplished due to some errands, or occasions that may occur. We parents should not worry as we have Professional Cleaning Services available. One of the well-known in the City of Seattle is Divine Maids. They have great offers as great as their services.

Make it easier for the kids to get the chores done. Prepare simple yet fun ways to make cleaning exciting and even a time for you all to bond as a family. Turn cleaning into a game, and reward them with delicious snacks for a job well done. In this way, Kids won’t see cleaning as a burden, but a fun and memorable time with the whole family.

At the end of each cleaning day, never forget to appreciate your kids work. Encourage them to do better and praise them even with a simple “Thank you for helping today”. In this way, your children will feel how important they are and the significance of their tasks and responsibilities not only at home, but in wherever they may be.