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Chore lists and charts for kids

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Sometimes it feels like we moms have the weight of the world on our shoulders.  We have to worry about getting kids ready for the day, feeding our families, cleaning the house, working, laundry, sports, the list goes on.  One of my goals for this year is to stop making things more difficult than they have to be.  This stems from being a self-proclaimed control freak.  I have made myself believe that no one is capable of doing things as well as I can.  The bottom line is I’ve made a lot of things more difficult than they have to be, and I am doing a disservice to my kids.  Enter these chore lists, and chore charts for kids.  While my kids are responsible for some chores, most are not responsible for consistently doing them.

Teaching your kids how to do certain household chores isn’t just getting some much needed help around the house (not that that part isn’t a huge bonus!), it’s also teaching your kids life skills.  And, that’s the part I often forget about.  Taking the time to teach your kids how to do chores, and to do them, is part of my job as their parent.

Chore lists and charts for kids

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Why should kids do chores?

 
Well, aside from the obvious- you know, to save your sanity.  It gives them a sense of responsibility.  It shows them that they should respect their things, and your things.  Chores can help keep things in order in your home.  And, they can also lead to better organization skills in your children as they grow.  We have not always been great about keeping up with a chore chart.  And, trust me when I say that having a chore list doesn’t mean our home is always perfectly clean.  But sharing the workload as a family is important.  Everyone in your home should take care of the place you live, and love.  This means that while your house (and mine certainly is not) won’t always been spic and span, everyone knows that this place is special, and the things in it our special, and we all need to take care of it.  Hopefully, this transfers outside of the house. 
 
As I mentioned above, it’s our job as parents to teach them how to become responsible adults one day.  I know that seems crazy because they are just children, but you don’t have to start out with anything crazy.  Start small, and as your children grow you will naturally add more the list of things they are capable of doing.
 
If you choose to add an allowance it can also teach them about money management. Adding an allowance is a personal choice- do you believe chores are just something we need to do as a family, or they’re a job, or maybe you’re somewhere in between the two.  There is no right or wrong answer in my opinion.  You do what works best for your family!

When are kids old enough to start doing chores?

As early as 2 or 3 years old, children can be given small chores around the house.  They can help with a family pet, pick up their toys, or help fold towels (they may not be great at it, but they can definitely help).  As they get older the list of responsibilities, can, and should grow.  Of course you will need to think about the age, and maturity of each child.  On top of not being able to do everything, a young child should not be given cleaning supplies that could be hazardous to them.  

This doesn’t mean young children can’t help.  There are always things for younger children to do, and for older children to do.  Our 9 year old unloads the dishwasher.  The boys are all responsible for putting away their laundry.  Our 4 year old feeds our dog, and is responsible for her toys, and other small chores.

More tips for chores

  • Use a chore chart like this one
  • Consider a reward system (a special treat after a given time, or an allowance)
  • Stick to a routine
  • Resist the urge to just do it yourself (my biggest problem!)

Do you kids have chores they’re responsible for?  What are your best tips for keeping to a chore routine?  Share them in the comments!!  I love hearing from you all!

xo, Lorrin

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