They may complain a little, but asking your children to help with household chores starting at an early way is a great way to teach responsibility and independence. Tasks like cleaning up after themselves and organizing are basic skills that will help your kids throughout their lives. Many parents are surprised to discover that children actually like pitching in! Especially the younger kids; it makes them feel big and important. So if you're tired of constantly cleaning up after your kids, assign them a few household chores and make home care the entire family's responsibility (and not just yours!).
Age Appropriate Chores
The key is to pick tasks that are age appropriate. You can't expect your toddler to run the vacuum, but dusting is right up their alley. As your kids get older they can handle harder tasks that may take a little longer. Here are some ideas for each age group. Remember all kids are different and some may be able to handle more or less.
Toddlers
- Put dirty clothes in hamper or laundry room
- Pick up and put away toys
- Dust bookshelves (kids love using a feather duster or Swiffer duster!)
Preschoolers
- Same as younger children
- Feed pets
- Make bed
- Wipe down baseboards
- Fold towels (start with wash cloths and kitchen towels)
- Put own clothes away
Grade Schoolers
- Same as younger children
- Fold some laundry (match socks, fold own clothing)
- Sweep/wet mop
- Help bring in groceries
- Wash dishes
- Wipe bathroom counter after use
- Set and clear table
- Load and unload dishwasher
- Pull weeds
Junior High Kids
- Same as younger children
- Sort laundry, wash, dry, fold
- Take out trash and recycling
- Wash windows
- Vacuum
- Put groceries away
High School Students
- Same as younger children
- Mow the lawn and other yardwork
- Cook occasionally with supervision
- Deep clean bathroom and kitchen
Praise and Rewards
It is a good idea to give your kids feedback. Let them know what they have done well and what they should try differently next time. Children of all ages like the feeling of being appreciated. Rewards can be used too, and no, that does not have to mean money. Point out that since the house is clean, everyone in the family can relax and do something fun together. Movie nights, a trip to the park, or some ice cream are big hits in our house.
Realistic Expectations
Keep in mind that kids might not do as good a job as you would and it will most likely take them longer too (30 minutes to fold a load of towels?!). It's okay - the goal is to get the kids to understand that every member of the family needs to pitch in without complaints.
A Big Job and Some Backup
Kids can be (and should be!) a big help around the house. But every once in a while, I look around my house and think "This mess is so big and so deep and so tall. There's no way to clean it. There's no way at all." (Dr. Seuss know's what I'm talking about.) That's when I call in back up. The staff at Maid to Perfectiion helps me with all the jobs our busy family just can't get to. They can help you with the same.
Visit www.mtpbloomington.com or call 309-828-1881 to learn more and to schedule your free estimate with Maid to Perfection of McLean County. You can also take advantage of the two special offers below. Let them get your house spotless, which makes maintaining the clean feeling a whole lot easier.
This is a sponsored article from our friends at Maid to Perfection.
