Can you imagine not knowing how to wash and dry plates or cook a simple meal? Do you expect your clothes to be swept up and reappear pristine and ironed? No, and you probably want to equip your child with the life skills that they will eventually take to university and their first home away from home.
Mychild forum member Trishikins says her son no longer sees his jobs around the house as chores but as part of daily life. She adds, “I think it's important he learns how to do these things and that he doesn't think they are "women’s work". Anthea agrees, “It's really sad to see intelligent university students who can't cope with normal life because no one bothered to teach them how to cook, use the washing machine and clean. I think it’s best to start early. At three years old they are so willing... It becomes normal for them to be involved and they love it.”
Children can learn responsibility for their possessions by helping to tidy their toys as soon as they are able whilst many toddlers are fascinated with helping out at home. The key is to allow them to start as soon as they can, even if it takes longer to complete a task, so that household chores become a natural part of life and not just ‘those things that Mum and Dad do.’
Many parents struggle with which chores are appropriate for their children. You know your child best and are most capable of judging their abilities. We’ve pulled together some suggestions for simple tasks that your children can do.
At this age, simple tasks will help your child feel useful around the home, and to you, as well as encouraging the idea that everyone needs to participate in daily household life. Your child will learn the value of being responsible for their own things and will appreciate the effort it takes to keep their space tidy. Your child should be capable of tasks such as:
By taking responsibility for more difficult tasks, this age group will be learning valuable life skills that will carry them into adulthood such as making their own food and cleaning up after themselves. If they receive pocket money, chores will help them understand the monetary value of doing a job and being paid for it. This age group should be capable of tasks such as:
- Clearing the table after mealtimes
- Putting clean clothing away
- Feeding and cleaning of pets and pet areas such as tanks, cages or bedding
- Loading/emptying dishwasher
- Removing bedding and putting in laundry basket
- Gentle gardening tasks, such as wedding, under direction
- Making their own breakfast
Your child may be very unmotivated if they are not used to simple chores from an early age. A reward chart is a well recognised tool to help motivation. Award a star for each task completed and assign a small end goal that your child would appreciate such as a magazine or a trip to the cinema. “My six year old earns stars by doing tasks; putting his ironing away, loading the washer and helping to dust can all earn stars,” says forum member Fredd.
By agreeing on a reward at the end of the week your child will understand that they have to do something in return for the reward they want, just like adults at work. It is important to be consistent so if your child does not help, they do not get the reward. Next week, they will probably try harder. You could consider grading awards so that your child understands the more they do, the better the reward will be. You may also want to consider pocket money in return for chores rather than your child expecting money for nothing.
However, not everyone agrees with a reward system. Mum2One’s seven year old daughter does two regular chores along with other simple tasks. She says, “These chores are not related to pocket money or any other reward. She simply does them as she is a member of the household and so has to help and she does enjoy it [plus it] makes her feel grown up.”
