11.03.2015

Chores

I saw this picture on one of my friend's (thanks Mrs. Jerri!) page on Facebook...

...and it got my wheels turning. It also goes hand and hand with the Proverb that we are focusing on this week in our homeschooling. 

"He who gathers crops in the summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son." -Proverbs 10:5 

Basically the lesson is that we are to work, and work diligently, when it's time to work, not be lazy!

Now I know that with as much as I have to do around the house, and with as clean and organized as I like to keep things, I must...repeat...must enlist the help of my children. I mean...they make most of the mess...so they need to help clean it too! I've already listed a few examples of how I incorporate my kids into cleaning in my "Cleaning Schedules" post, but I thought it may be a good idea to blog specifically about how they can help and contribute around the house.

So let's break it down by ages shall we? Here's some examples of what we do:

2-3 years

* clean up toys when asked
* put dirty clothes in laundry basket
* put food or water out for a pet
* dust
* help a parent or sibling clean up spills
* choose clothes and lay them out for the following day
* help prepare food

4-5 years

* get dressed with little help
* make their bed with little help
* set the table
* clear their dishes from the table
* fold napkins, wash cloths, etc from the laundry
* clean up spills
* sweep or dust mop
* help load dishwasher, washing machine, dryer, etc

6-7 years

* maintain personal hygiene on their own (brushing teeth, combing hair, bathing)
* maintain a clean room
* sort laundry
* put their clothes away from the laundry
* put away dishes from dishwasher
* empty trash cans from their rooms
* wake up using an alarm clock
* help put younger siblings to nap or bed
* begin learning which buttons to use when starting the dishwasher, washing machine, dryer, tv, etc

(From here on out I'm guessing as to what I'll add :) since my kiddos are under the age of 7. I can already hear the snickering of you mom's with older kids. Feel free to tell me where my expectations are too high so that I'm not too disappointed. I'm always seeking advice from you wiser ladies!)

8-10 years

* be responsible for their belongings (bringing dance bag to dance class without a reminder, etc)
* wash dishes in the sink
* help clean bathrooms
* run the dishwasher, washing machine, dryer, etc when asked
* mop
* pick up trash from yard, rake, pull weeds, etc
* clean windows and mirrors
* prepare an easy meal or two by themselves, for themselves (sandwiches, salads, bowl of cereal, etc)

11-15 years

* change bedsheets
* vacuum
* help mow the yard
* be responsible for schoolwork and homework
* help make grocery list
* help prepare a family meal
* scramble eggs (this is everyone's first lesson, right?)

16 years and up

* babysit
* prepare a family meal
* be responsible for a job
* partial contribution towards the purchase of their clothing, car, and insurance
* be responsible for doing yard work and house work as needed, not only as requested

Of course every kid is different and a lot of these chores may overlap the ages that I separated them into, but you get the idea. I know with both of my girls, from a super young age they were helping me in the kitchen preparing food because they showed an interest in doing so. So that is why it is listed in the 2-3 years category for us. That may not be case for your kids...it may not be the case for my son when he is 2-3 years. The biggest help in deciding things with kids, I think, is to consider what they are interested in or excited about. Once you figure that out, you'll find that it's much easier to get them to actually follow through with the "doing" it part.

Now...tell me some of the things that I missed or left out! What are some chores that you have for your kids? How have you effectively incorporated them into your routines? Do you have a chart posted somewhere? Do you have specific days that the chores happen? I can't wait to hear your responses!

<3



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