Parents are learning how to get their kids to help out around the house.
If you find that your kids aren’t doing their chores when you tell them to, consider that the chores you assign them aren’t age appropriate.
It would be more useful, both for you and your kids, if your kids associate chores with having fun.
Chores don’t have to be something your kids dread doing.
Here are some age-appropriate chores for your children that will make it easier (and more enjoyable) for them to pitch in and help around the house:
Toddlers:
- Dabble in dinner prep. Let your child add an ingredient, or help mix batter.
- Tidy up toys. Cleaning can become a method for teaching; you can tell your child to put Mr. Bear to sleep on the shelf.
Preschoolers:
- Go green. Who says preschoolers can’t help the environment, too? Your child can help sort recyclables in clearly marked bins.
- Rake it up. With a mini rake and the promise of jumping in the leaves at the end, your child has something to look forward to.
Big Kids:
- Load up the dishwasher. Encourage your children that it’s important to clean their own dishes. All they have to do is rinse them off and place them in the dishwasher. It’s so easy, and it saves water, too.
- Feed the pooch. Have the big kids feed your pets, if you have any. Not only will this build responsibility, but pets are also companions.
Tweens:
- Babysit — in small doses. You can let your tweens babysit, but just make sure that it’s only for short periods of time.
- Serve up snacks. Tweens can make small decisions, so let them decide what to eat after school.
Teens:
- Launder up. Clean clothes are a must…you can expect some whining, but this skill will be useful come college time.
- Get cooking. Cooking can be fun and easy with the right recipies. Let your teen make a family dinner once in a while. This skill will also be useful come college time
More Parenting Advice: What chores do you kids do? And how old are your kids? Share your ideas for age-appropriate chores in the comments below.
Choosing The Right Chores [Parents]
