Age-Appropriate Chores For Kids
Summer is here and I’m making sure to keep my kids busy, including summer learning and assigning them age-appropriate chores so they can help out around the house. Plus my oldest has been asking for a steady allowance now that’s he’s off to middle school. I think chores are the perfect way for him to earn a little cash, practice responsibility and learn a bit about money management! Today’s guest post shares great tips for assigning age-appropriate chores for kids. Read on!
This is a guest post by Samantha Green
In all likelihood, kids aren’t going to be jumping for joy once you decide to make them do chores. But don’t worry. It’s perfectly normal for kids to be averse to chores. Over time, with your guidance, they stand a very good chance of accepting and (hopefully) enjoying the tasks that you assign them.
Besides, chores are something you must insist upon. Studies have already shown that adults who have done chores as children are more likely to be happier and more successful. This isn’t surprising, because household chores do help foster a sense of responsibility among your children. You should also keep in mind that by performing regular chores, they will be able to master certain skills that are going to serve them in good stead as they grow older and eventually lead their own lives.
Choosing Age-Appropriate Chores For Kids
It’s also vital that the tasks you assign your kids should be age-appropriate. Here’s something that can serve as your guide to ensure that their chores are just right for their age.
Ages 2 – 3
- Picking up toys and putting them in their rightful place
- Putting laundry in hamper
- Making the bed
Ages 4 – 5
- Folding towels
- Feeding pets and giving them water
- Dusting tables, picture frames, shelves
- Setting and clearing dining table
- Fluffing throw pillows
- Sorting fresh laundry by color
- Helping clean their room
- Carry lighter groceries
Ages 6 – 8
- Preparing food with supervision
- Folding fresh laundry
- Watering plants
- Answering the phone with supervision
- Taking dishes out of the dishwasher
Ages 9 – 12
- Doing the dishes
- Taking out the trash
- Making cereal and other easy-to-prepare meals
- Raking the yard
- Assist in cleaning the bathroom and kitchen
- Changing the sheets
- Walking the dog
- Washing the car
- Putting groceries in shelves
- Washing windows
- Peeling potatoes
Ages 13 and up
- Mowing the lawn
- Babysitting
- Changing light bulbs
- Vacuuming the carpet
- Preparing full meals
- Doing the laundry
- Wash the car
Don’t pressure the kids
Remember that you can always opt to never make your kids do chores. It is, after all, your call. And if you decide that they will help around the house, the least you can do is adopt a laid-back attitude when you’re making them do chores. You cannot expect them to get their tasks right the first time around. It could even take some time before they get to do that. Also, don’t ever pressure them about doing their tasks according to your standards. You are going to have to muster a lot of patience, especially when you have to be the one to show them how to do their chores.
Consider giving them an allowance
Anyone who knows something about raising kids will tell you that rewards systems work, especially when you’re making them do household chores. Some people may think rewards in the form of allowances is tantamount to bribery, but keep this thought out of your mind. If you really care about your children, an allowance will be a small price to pay if it means raising skilled and highly responsible kids. An allowance will also give you the opportunity to teach them about money management, which is another skill that will help them when they enter the real world.
We can never state enough how important it is for your kids to do chores at home. Far too many adults who have never learned how to do their own laundry or wash the dishes have found it tough adjusting to living independently. If you don’t want your kids to be that helpless as adults, then getting them to do age-appropriate chores is the only way to go.
Guest Post by Samantha Green
Samantha is the Content Marketing Strategist for BusyKid, the first and only chore and allowance platform where kids can earn, save, share, spend, and invest their allowance. A mom of two, she enjoys spending time with her kids and reading books to them.
