Chores and Kids
It’s all about the random request! Kids these days are busy and over scheduled. So, is it a fair expectation to have them help out around the house?
I grew up in a house where there were weekly expectations around chores. I think this taught me how to clean properly. My mom wouldn’t let go until the job met her standards! Believe me I tried to complete as quickly as I could so that I could do what I wanted to do. This created quite the power struggle; however, I do believe the process taught me how to clean.
I am asked this question a lot so I have given it a lot of thought. The goal of the exercise is for your kids to reach the end stage of “How can I help you?” If you are bringing the groceries in, you want your kids to naturally grab a bag on the way in without the request. If you are getting ready to make dinner, your son is getting the forks out. If you are steam cleaning the floors, your daughter says “Can I do that”.
All fine and dandy, but how do you get there?
It’s about setting up a climate of expectations in the house. Here are some simple guidelines to help you get there:
1. We are a team and everyone needs to help
2. It’s not fair for one person to do all the work
3. When your kid asks you to play soccer outside, answer back with…I can play once all of this laundry is put away. It will go a lot faster if we all pitch in.
4. Routine, Routine, Routine
i.e. When your laundry basket is full, you need to bring it down to the laundry room. When I put your clothes in a pile on your bed, it’s your job to put them away.
5. Rewards
The biggest hint of all is to Reward any spontaneous helping. If your kid says “I’ll set the table” without you asking…make a huge deal of it.
Good Luck
P.S. Here’s a handy chart for age appropriate chores
