Chores for Kids

Kids Chores

Two big questions on parents minds about chores for kids are: should my kids do chores? and if they do should they be paid for doing them?

Two big questions on parents minds about chores for kids are: should my kids do chores? and if they do should they be paid for doing them?

To make comments and check out other visitors thoughts see below.

• We believe kids should do chores alongside us as they grow up.
• Why? because it gives kids a sense of being valued as they see themselves as an important part of the household.
• Kids learn that things don't just happen.
• They understand that keeping a house in order takes work.
• You can teach them how to do things in order and well, as you show them how to do various tasks around the home.
• It can be a time where you give your child quality time as you complete tasks together.
• Kids gain a sense of achievement in finishing tasks.
• They gain a sense of responsibility as they grow older and can complete tasks themselves.
• Kids learn about caring as you do tasks in the home for others.
• A lot of younger kids enjoy doing chores and even our teens enjoy washing the car and watering the plants.

• Should you pay kids for doing chores for kids?
• Well! we have tried various things through the years.
• I believe most tasks should be done as past of living together as a family and a family unit working together.
• However, certain tasks over and above the norm maybe could have a small reward attached.
• if you give a small amount of pocket money kids could add to that by doing other chores.
• Babysitting (if they are old enough), running to the shop(again if old enough or responsible enough).
• This is something you can negotiate with your kids as they get older, it is certainly worth thinking about.

• So what should chores for kids look like?
• Even as a toddler our kids could go get the clean nappy.
• A toddler can learn to help put their toys away.
• The kids take their own plates and cutlery to kitchen.

• At around 2 to 3 your kids can help to feed their pet
• They can put laundry in a laundry basket.
• Our kids loved to help wash up (safe items only)
• Again they can put toys away.
• Kids can wash face in the morning
• They can get dressed usually by this time.

• At around 4 to 5 your child could
• Put laundry in laundry basket - get one for each child
• Feed pet
• Make their bed in the morning
• Help wash up
• Empty wastebaskets into bin with help
• Dust with a duster (I usually give kids just a dampened duster and not polish)
• By this age kids can help in the garden watering the plants and possibly weeding with supervision.
• Kids may like to start their own herb gardens or themed garden with your help.

• At around 6 to 8 your child could
• Do all of the above and then
• Lay the table
• Clear the table
• Tidy their bedroom and dust it.
• Dust
• Help to clean out pets in cages or brush dogs
• Clean their own teeth
• Help to cook dinner
• Help to sort the scraps for composting
• Make their own sandwich if bread is pre-sliced
• Help you to wash out the bath.
• Help you check through cupboards and make a shopping list
• Make cakes and biscuits with your help

• At around 9 and above your child could
• Do all the above and then
• Put away groceries.
• Run short errands
• Vacuum but you will have to show them how and teach then how to vacuum safely (watching the lead)
• Make cereal for breakfast and clear away dishes
• Make cakes with help
• Fold their own laundry and put away
• Empty and clean lunchbox

• Then as your child becomes older and more responsible you can add chores as you see fit
• The kids can do above chores for kids and then
• Strip and remake beds
• Load and unload dishwasher
• Sew on buttons
• Walk dog
• Prepare an easy meal
• Make sandwiches
• They could do laundry
• Wash the car
• Clean windows
• Care for younger siblings
• Make cakes
• Make own lunches and clear away
• Wash up
• Clean the bathroom
• vacuum and dust as necessary

• All of the above are down to your discretion, some kids may be able to do things earlier than others.
• Only you know when your child is responsible and safe to do things like vacuuming and using a cooker.
• Our eight year old autistic child is not able to do some tasks her siblings were able to do at her age.
• She is not safe near a cooker as she cannot detect heat until she touches something.
• We used a gate at the kitchen door until she was 6 and a half.
• Make sure you teach your child about safety in the kitchen and bathroom and when near electricity.
• We have drummed it into our kids not to put plugs into sockets with wet hands.
• Teach kids not to leave piles of stuff on stairs or walkways.
• It is all about the boundaries we set in place