Children and Chores

Chores for Toddlers, Preschoolers, School-Aged Children & Teens

Jan 26, 2009 Barb Hacker

Being responsible for chores from a young age is beneficial to children.

According to the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension, children gain a sense of self-esteem as they complete chores and know their contribution to the family is important and valued. Chores also help children develop many different skills. Mastering these types of tasks will give children of all ages a sense of accomplishment.

When assigning chores, be sure to keep expectations at an age-appropriate level. Chores that are too complex or those that take too long will be difficult for young children. Likewise, older children will enjoy the challenge of more difficult chores.

Chores and Toddlers

Toddlers love to imitate their parents at chore time. At this age, get toddlers involved in the chores you are doing. Give a toddler some washcloths and small towels to fold as you fold laundry. Enlist his help when it’s time to pick up toys. If he is resistant or disinterested in clean-up time, make a game of it to engage him.

• Race to see who can pick up toys the fastest.
• Toss toys from a few feet away into a toy basket.
• Use a silly voice to count each item picked up by the child. Imitate the Count from Sesame Street.
• Play a clean-up song and race to have all the picking up done before the song is over.

Chores and Preschoolers

Preschoolers can handle simple, yet independent chores. Table setting, taking care of the recycling and drying dishes are some chores that preschoolers can do on their own. Most preschoolers still like to help their parents and enjoy the novelty of chores that are a little different from the norm. Helping dad take out the garbage or helping mom weed the vegetable garden are generally fun for the preschooler.

School-Aged Children

As children get older, they are able to do more complex chores. A chore chart makes a good, daily reminder for school-aged children. Older kids are ready to tackle the daily responsibility of feeding pets, doing dishes or helping prepare dinner. Children in this age group are also ready to take over the job of cleaning and maintaining their own bedroom.

Kids may begin to show resistance to doing chores. Some parents chose to reward chores with a small allowance. Others may require that chores be completed before other activities, such as television watching or gaming.

Teen-agers and Chores

Teens are ready to tackle chores that involve more time and effort. Many teens are responsible for their laundry. Some are in charge of meal preparation a few nights a week for their families. Still, others are able to mow the lawn or handle other, physically challenging chores.

Parents and teens should communicate openly about chores and expectations. Teens may be interested in earning spending money for chores completed.

Children that are given the responsibility of chores from a young age gain valuable skills and self-esteem. Even young toddlers can help parents fold laundry and pick up toys. As children get older, chores can be more complex.

Source:

University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension website; Chores and Children; Accessed January 26, 2009.

The copyright of the article Children and Chores in Parenting Methods is owned by Barb Hacker. Permission to republish Children and Chores in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.