education
Your child may be
able to do more than
you think. Keep in
mind that a child
who has mastered a
complicated computer
game can easily run
the dishwasher,” says
Elizabeth Pantley,
author of parenting
books including Kid
Cooperation: How to
Stop Yelling, Nagging,
and Pleading and Get
Kids to Cooperate.
ought to involve picking up after
themselves. When they get home from
school, get kids to put their shoes and
backpacks away. When adding more
complicated chores, be sure to show
them how to do each new task.
Chores for children ages six to seven
Any of the above chores, plus:
• Sort laundry
• Sweep floors
• Set and clear table
• Help make and pack lunch
• Weed and rake leaves
• Keep bedroom tidy
• Feed pets
• Help hang out clothes and
fold washing
• Put away clean dishes
• Help with choosing meals
and shopping
Chores for children ages eight to nine
Any of the above chores, plus:
• Load dishwasher
• Put away groceries
• Vacuum
• Help make dinner
• Make own snacks
• Wash table after meals
• Put away own laundry
• Sew buttons
• Make own breakfast
• Peel vegetables
• Cook simple foods, such as toast
• Take pet for a walk
• Help with preparing and serving
meals, with supervision
• Clean the bathroom sink, wipe
down kitchen benches, mop floors
or take out rubbish
Chores for tweens
Learning to clean the bathroom, sweep
the floors, and dust might be some of
the tasks you add at this age. Picking
up and keeping a tidy room can now
be considered part of the daily routine.
Tweens might like to earn an allowance
for doing extra chores and this can
be a good introduction to financial
responsibility. Or maybe doing chores
can let your tween rack up time with
electronics or outings with friends.
Chores for children ages 10 and older
Any of the above chores, plus:
• Unload dishwasher
• Fold laundry
• Clean bathroom
• Wash windows
• Wash car
• Cook simple meal with supervision
• Iron clothes
• Do laundry
• Baby-sit younger siblings (with
adult in the home)
• Clean kitchen
• Change their bed sheets
Chores for teenagers
Teens can start to learn some
practical life skills in preparation
for the real world. Learning how to
cook simple meals and doing their
own laundry will help them when it’s
time to leave the nest and become
independent. Teens might need some
extra motivation for chores and an
allowance might do the trick. The
allowance may also teach your teen
money management.
Research
Suggests teaching kids how to do
household chores early on helps make
them happier, and creates better
family dynamics. Tidying expert and
author, Marie Kondo, suggests parents
lead by example. ‘Keeping a habit of
tidying up clothes, which are used
every day and are clearly the kids’
own belongings, helps teach them
the basic concepts of tidying up. It is
ideal if you can start teaching them
beginning when they are around three.'
Tips for success:
• Consider age, maturity level,
physical ability, and interest level
when selecting the right chores for
your kids.
• Remember… it’s never too late
to start.
• Chores instill good work ethic so
show by example.
• Do it together – while you’re doing
chores too.
• Keep things simple.
• Praise often.
• Add some fun along the way.
• Some parents use a chart to help
create a visual of who is doing what
and to have some accountability.
• Experts say not to give children
money for doing chores unless
they are doing something above
and beyond.
• Some parents allow screen time
based on chore completion, for
example, folding laundry gains you
15 mins of screen time.
Experts say not to give children money
for doing chores unless they are doing
something above and beyond.
Spring 2020
39